Pronunciation: s ə - ' bo ̇ r-d ə -n ə t, - ' bo ̇ rd-n ə t
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English subordinat, from Medieval Latin subordinatus, past participle of subordinare to subordinate, from Latin sub- + ordinare to order ― more at ORDAIN
Date: 15th century
1 : placed in or occupying a lower class, rank, or position : INFERIOR <a subordinate officer>
2 : submissive to or controlled by authority
3 a : of, relating to, or constituting a clause that functions as a noun, adjective, or adverb b : SUBORDINATING
– sub · or · di · nate · ly adverb
– sub · or · di · nate · ness noun