subtype

noun

sub·​type ˈsəb-ˌtīp How to pronounce subtype (audio)
variants or less commonly sub-type
plural subtypes also sub-types
: a type that is a subdivision of a broader type
… the … vaccine has a new, additional molecular component that its developers believe will contribute to a broader range of protection against subtypes of HIV found in North America, Europe, Australia, Central America, and South America.The Journal of the American Medical Association
… the neurotransmitter serotonin has at least 14 different known subtypes of receptors.Steven F. Hyman
Among subtypes of juggling found in circus shows are juggling on horseback and strong-man juggling with iron balls.Mark Levine

Examples of subtype in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The virus primarily infects birds There are multiple subtypes of the bird flu, but H5 subtypes of influenza A are the most common. Shahid Meighan, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025 The other subtypes are squamous cell carcinoma, small-cell carcinoma, and large-cell carcinoma. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 13 Feb. 2025 While cannabinoids offer a potential alternative for refractory chronic pain, optimal use requires personalized dosing and further high-quality trials targeting specific pain subtypes. Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2025 Globally, in 2020, over 2.3 million new cases of breast cancer were diagnosed, of which 70% were a subtype known as estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2–). New Atlas, 27 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for subtype

Word History

First Known Use

1816, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of subtype was in 1816

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Cite this Entry

“Subtype.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subtype. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

Medical Definition

subtype

1 of 2 noun
sub·​type ˈsəb-ˌtīp How to pronounce subtype (audio)
: a type that is subordinate to or included in another type
the blood group subtypes
subtypes of a disease

subtype

2 of 2 transitive verb
subtyped; subtyping
: to classify according to subtype
schizophrenic patients subtyped as paranoid or catatonic
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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