I. ənˈfirēə(r), -ˈfēr-, (ˈ)in|f- adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin, comp. of inferus low, situated beneath — more at under
1. : situated lower down or nearer what is regarded as the bottom or base : lower , nether
inferior latitudes
inferior rock strata
2.
a. : of lower degree or rank
was a member of an inferior caste
a major is inferior to a colonel
b. : of lower degree or rank
inferior classes of society
3.
a. : of less importance, value, or merit : of poorer quality
the child … considers himself inferior to the adult figures — G.S.Blum
declined to an inferior position among the world powers
inferior chess move
easily beat his inferior opponent
b. of a railroad train : required to yield right of way in the absence of specific orders
c. : of poor quality : mediocre : second-rate
furniture of inferior workmanship
inferior pupil
inferior violinist
4.
a. of a part of the upright body : situated below another and especially another similar part — compare superior 6a
inferior vena cava
inferior meatus of the nose
inferior rectus muscle of the eye
b. of a part of the quadrupedal body
(1) : situated in a more posterior position
(2) : situated more ventrad than another and especially another similar part : ventral
5. of a part of a plant
a. : situated below another organ:
(1) of a calyx : free from the ovary
(2) of an ovary : adnate to the calyx or other floral envelope
b. : abaxial
c. : situated low on the stipe
6. : subscript
inferior letter
inferior number
— used usually postpositionally
for “H 2 O” read “H, 2 inferior , O”
— contrasted with superior
II. noun
( -s )
1. : a person or thing inferior to another (as in worth, status, or importance)
disdainful of his social inferiors
2. : a subscript character (as in printing)