prefix (also suc- before c, suf- before f, sug- before g, sup- before p, sur- before r, sus- before c, p, t) 1 at or to or from a lower position (subordinate; submerge; subtract; subsoil). 2 secondary or inferior in rank or position (subclass; subcommittee; sub-lieutenant; subtotal). 3 somewhat, nearly; more or less (subacid; subarctic; subaquatic). 4 (forming verbs) denoting secondary action (subdivide; sublet). 5 denoting support (subvention). 6 Chem. (of a salt) basic (subacetate).
[ from or after L sub- f. sub under, close to, towards ]