- sub-
- sub- [sub, səb][< L sub, under, below: see UP1] prefix1. under, beneath, below, from beneath [submarine, subsolar]2. lower in rank, position, or importance than; inferior or subordinate to [subaltern, subhead]3. to a lesser degree than, somewhat, slightly [subhuman, subaquatic]4.a) so as to form a division into smaller or less important parts [subdivide]b) forming such a division [subspecies]c) near, bordering on [subalpine]d) nearly, almost [subteen]5. Chem.a) with less than the normal amount of (the specified substance) [suboxide]b) basic [subcarbonate]: In words of Latin origin, sub- becomes suc- before c; suf- before f; sug- before g; sum- before m; sup- before p; sur- before r; and, often, sus- before c, p, or t
English World dictionary. V. Neufeldt. 2014.