subscript

noun

sub·​script ˈsəb-ˌskript 

: a distinguishing symbol (such as a letter or numeral) written immediately below or below and to the right or left of another character

subscript adjective

Examples of subscript in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Ohio State mathematician Harvey Friedman came up with a way to determine how many mathematical symbols—think exponents, arrows, subscripts, etc.—would be needed to prove TREE(3) is finite, but even that number is virtually beyond comprehension. —Adrienne Bernhard, Popular Mechanics, 27 Feb. 2023

In chemical texts, it's written this way: CO₂ where the subscript numeral two means there are two oxygen atoms. —Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 6 Feb. 2023

The subscript took aim at Cudi, mocking the artist’s recent departure from Rolling Loud mid-set. —Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 9 Sep. 2022

Finally, Easier Superscripts Mathematicians, scientists, and other fans of exponents will appreciate the ability to easily add superscript and subscript text to their documents without digging into the system’s catalog of characters. —Patrick Lucas Austin, Time, 15 Aug. 2019

Word History

Etymology

Latin subscriptus, past participle of subscribere

First Known Use

circa 1704, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

subscript

noun

sub·​script ˈsəb-ˌskript 

: a distinguishing symbol (as a letter or number) immediately below or below and to the right or left of another written character

subscript adjective