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Definition of subspecies

subspecies

/ˈsʌbˌspiːʃiːz/
sub · spe · cies
Plural:subspecies
•
Adjective:subspecific
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subspecies Lexical Profile

subspecies Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A taxonomic category that ranks immediately below a species, typically designating a geographically isolated or morphologically distinct population capable of interbreeding with other populations of the same species.

Example

"The Bengal tiger and the Siberian tiger are distinct subspecies of the same species, Panthera tigris."

2

A secondary category, subdivision, or specialized type within a broader class or genre.

Example

"This particular style of detective novel is a fascinating subspecies of modern crime fiction."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for subspecies

Word Nuance & Usage

Like 'species', 'subspecies' is identical in both its singular and plural forms (e.g., 'one subspecies' and 'several subspecies').

• Nearby Words

subspecialist
subspecialize
subspecialty
subspecies
substance
substanceless
substandard

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the 19th century as a scientific compound from the Latin prefix 'sub-' (under or subordinate) and 'species' (kind or appearance).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Subspecies. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/subspecies
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