Main Entry:

¹sub·or·di·nate

Pronunciation:

\sə-ˈbȯr-də-nət, -ˈbȯrd-nət\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Middle English subordinat, from Medieval Latin subordinatus, past participle of subordinare to subordinate, from Latin sub- + ordinare to order — more at ordain

Date:

15th century

1: placed in or occupying a lower class, rank, or position : inferior <a subordinate officer>2: submissive to or controlled by authority3 a: of, relating to, or constituting a clause that functions as a noun, adjective, or adverb b: subordinating

— sub·or·di·nate·ly adverb

— sub·or·di·nate·ness noun