subspecies
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.

2 ENTRIES FOUND:

sub·spe·cies

noun \ˈsəb-ˌspē-shēz, -sēz\

Definition of SUBSPECIES

: a subdivision of a species: as
a : a category in biological classification that ranks immediately below a species and designates a population of a particular geographic region genetically distinguishable from other such populations of the same species and capable of interbreeding successfully with them where its range overlaps theirs
b : a named subdivision (as a race or variety) of a taxonomic species
c : subgroup 1 <a political subspecies>
sub·spe·cif·ic \ˌsəb-spi-ˈsi-fik\ adjective

Examples of SUBSPECIES

  1. There are two subspecies of bison in North America.

Origin of SUBSPECIES

New Latin
First Known Use: 1699

sub·spe·cies

noun \ˈsəb-ˌspē-shēz, -sēz\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of SUBSPECIES

: a subdivision of a species: as a : a category in biological classification that ranks immediately below a species and designates a population of a particular geographical region genetically distinguishable from other such populations of the same species and capable of interbreeding successfully with them where its range overlaps theirs b : a named subdivision (as a race or variety) of a species
sub·spe·cif·ic \ˌsəb-spi-ˈsif-ik\ (audio pronunciation) adjective

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: subspherical
Previous Word in the Dictionary: sub specie aeternitatis
All Words Near: subspecies

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up subspecies? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Name That Thing

Take Our 10-Question Quiz

Get Our Free Apps
Voice Search, Favorites,
Word of the Day, and More
Join Us on FB & Twitter
Get the Word of the Day and More