I. |səb+ noun
Etymology: New Latin, from Latin sub- + species
: a subdivision of a species: as
a. : a taxonomic category that is the lowest generally used taxon, ranks immediately below a species, and designates a morphologically distinguishable group whose members are at least partially isolated geographically but interbreed successfully with members of other subspecies of the same species where their ranges adjoin and overlap
b. : a named subdivision (as a race or variety) of a taxonomic species — not used technically
Synonyms: see variety
II. noun
: a subordinate group whose members usually share some common differential quality : subgroup
video documentaries about famous contemporary artists are mostly a subspecies of propaganda film — Hilton Kramer