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

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the human case of avian influenza — and more specifically the H5 subtype — in a news release on Friday, Sept. 6. —Bailey Richards, Peoplemag, 7 Sep. 2024

No human cases have been confirmed and the virus, an influenza subtype known as H5N1, is not considered a significant public health threat, according to state health officials. —Lisa M. Krieger, The Mercury News, 30 Aug. 2024

The subtype, called clade Ib, is concerning global health leaders. —Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press, 10 Sep. 2024

Each subtype produces cells that present differently under a microscope. —Corey Whelan, Verywell Health, 1 July 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