Meaning of 'sub-' (Webster Dictionary)
- 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-).
- 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; as, subsulphide, suboxide,
etc. Prefixed to the name of a salt it is equivalent to basic; as,
subacetate or basic acetate.
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