subspecies

noun sub·spe·cies \ˈsəb-ˌspē-shēz, -sēz\

: a group of related plants or animals that is smaller than a species : a division of a species

Full 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

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Origin of SUBSPECIES

New Latin

First Known Use: 1699

Medical Dictionary

subspecies

noun sub·spe·cies \ˈsəb-ˌspē-shēz, -sēz\

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\ adjective