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 authority
3 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