adj. & n.
--adj.
1. (often foll. by to) a lower; in a lower position. b of lower rank, quality, etc.
2 poor in quality.
3 (of a planet) having an orbit within the earth's.
4 Bot. situated below an ovary or calyx.
5 (of figures or letters) written or printed below the line.
--n.
1. a person inferior to another, esp. in rank.
2 an inferior letter or figure.
Derivatives:
inferiorly adv.
Etymology: ME f. L, compar. of inferus that is below