I. (ˌ)səbˈsidēˌerē, -ri also ÷-dər- adjective
Etymology: Latin subsidiarius of or relating to a reserve, from subsidium army reserve, subsidy + -arius -ary
1.
a. : functioning in the provision of aid, support, or other benefit usually in a subordinate or inferior status or capacity
a subsidiary subject in a course of study
subsidiary details that lend finish to the ensemble
b.
(1) : of secondary importance or prominence : supplementary , minor , tributary
a subsidiary stream
subsidiary crops
(2) : belonging to or controlled by another
a subsidiary company
2.
a. : of, relating to, or constituting a subsidy
a subsidiary payment to an ally
b. : aided or maintained by a subsidy
raised a force of subsidiary troops
II. noun
( -es )
: one that is subsidiary: as
a. : assistant
b. : a subordinate theme or motive in music ; especially : one occurring as subject of an episode in an extended work
c. also subsidiary company : a company wholly controlled by another that owns more than half of its voting stock — compare affiliate 2b(1)
d. : a subsidiary goal in polo