submarginal

adjective

sub·​mar·​gin·​al ˌsəb-ˈmär-jə-nᵊl 

-ˈmärj-nəl

1

: adjacent to a margin or a marginal part or structure

submarginal spots on an insect wing

2

: falling below a necessary minimum

submarginal economic conditions

Word History

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

submarginal

adjective

sub·​mar·​gin·​al ˌsəb-ˈmärj-nəl 

ˈsəb-,

-ən-ᵊl

1

: located near or beneath a margin or a marginal part

2

: inadequate for some end or use

farming submarginal land

Medical Definition

submarginal

adjective

sub·​mar·​gin·​al ˌsəb-ˈmärj-nəl, ˈsəb-, -ən-ᵊl 

1

: adjacent to a margin or a marginal part or structure

submarginal areas of the gingiva

2

: falling below a necessary minimum

submarginal diets