subnormal

adjective

sub·​nor·​mal ˌsəb-ˈnȯr-məl How to pronounce subnormal (audio)
1
: lower or smaller than normal
2
: having less of something and especially of intelligence than is normal
subnormality noun
subnormally adverb

Examples of subnormal in a Sentence

subnormal levels of vitamin C people who are subnormal in insulin production
Recent Examples on the Web Quite simply, normal human consciousness is optimized for normal human functioning, but is subnormal for achieving goals beyond the ordinary. Brett Steenbarger, Forbes, 30 May 2021 Flow off the 50-degree waters of Lake Michigan will bring our first subnormal temperatures in 10 days. Tom Skilling, chicagotribune.com, 31 May 2018 Snow flurries could last into Monday, the cold staying through Tuesday with a temperature rebound of sorts into the still subnormal 50s by the middle of next week. Tom Skilling, chicagotribune.com, 15 Apr. 2018 An amplified jet stream pattern that has brought subnormal temperatures to eastern portions of North America and unseasonable warmth to the West is forecast to continue much of the workweek. Tom Skilling, chicagotribune.com, 11 Dec. 2017 Sunday marked our fifth straight day of subnormal readings. Tom Skilling, chicagotribune.com, 27 Aug. 2017 Resulting northwest wind flow will bring to the area temperatures more typical of mid-May, making this the only weekend this month with subnormal readings. Tom Skilling, chicagotribune.com, 23 June 2017 Everybody knew that comics were for children and for intellectually subnormal people, whereas graphic novel sounds like a much more sophisticated proposition. Adam Rogers, WIRED, 23 Feb. 2009 Another day of subnormal temperatures is slated for Monday before winds shift to a west-to-east orientation. Tom Skilling, chicagotribune.com, 25 June 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'subnormal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of subnormal was in 1843

Dictionary Entries Near subnormal

Cite this Entry

“Subnormal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subnormal. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

subnormal

adjective
sub·​nor·​mal ˌsəb-ˈnȯr-məl How to pronounce subnormal (audio)
ˈsəb-
: being lower, smaller, or less than what is considered normal
subnormal temperatures
subnormality noun
subnormally adverb

Medical Definition

subnormal

adjective
sub·​nor·​mal ˌsəb-ˈnȯr-məl How to pronounce subnormal (audio)
1
: lower or smaller than normal
a subnormal temperature
2
: having less of something and especially of intelligence than is normal
subnormality noun
plural subnormalities

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