Definitions

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • A prefix signifying under, below, beneath, and hence often, in an inferior position or degree, in an imperfect or partial state, as in subscribe, substruct, subserve, subject, subordinate, subacid, subastringent, subgranular, suborn. Sub- in Latin compounds often becomes sum- before m, sur before r, and regularly becomes suc-, suf-, sug-, and sup- before c, f, g, and p respectively. Before c, p, and t it sometimes takes form sus- (by the dropping of b from a collateral form, subs-).
  • (Chem.), obsolescent A prefix denoting that the ingredient (of a compound) signified by the term to which it is prefixed,is present in only a small proportion, or less than the normal amount; Prefixed to the name of a salt it is equivalent to basic.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • prefix under, beneath
  • prefix subsidiary, secondary
  • prefix almost, nearly

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

From the Latin sub, meaning under

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