subtype

noun

sub·​type ˈsəb-ˌtīp 

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

However, nearly all seasonal flu going around right now is also flu A, particularly the H3N2 and H1N1 subtypes. —Erika Edwards, NBC News, 16 Jan. 2025

There are also dozens of different subtypes of norovirus and multiple dominant types that frequently cause outbreaks.5 This explains why people can get repeat norovirus infections throughout their lives. —Maggie O'Neill, Health, 10 Jan. 2025

For one, both were infected with the same subtype of H5N1 called D1.1, which is the same kind of virus found in wild birds and poultry. —Emily Mullin, WIRED, 7 Jan. 2025

The symptoms of influenza A vary from person to person and depend on subtype, but generally consist of coughing, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, fever, headache, fatigue and body aches. —Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1816, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

subtype

1 of 2 noun

sub·​type ˈsəb-ˌtīp 

: 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