subscript

noun

sub·​script ˈsəb-ˌskript How to pronounce subscript (audio)
: 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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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

Time Traveler
The first known use of subscript was circa 1704

Dictionary Entries Near subscript

Cite this Entry

“Subscript.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subscript. Accessed 13 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

subscript

noun
sub·​script ˈsəb-ˌskript How to pronounce subscript (audio)
: a distinguishing symbol (as a letter or number) immediately below or below and to the right or left of another written character
subscript adjective
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!