sub-

sub- [sub, səb]

[< L sub, under, below: see UP¹] prefix

1. 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