subclass
n. countablen. a group of things that is part of a larger, more general group. In computer programming, it is a category that gets its basic features from a 'parent' category but adds its own special details.
n. a secondary or subordinate category within a larger classification system. In object-oriented programming, it refers to a class that inherits properties and methods from a superclass while potentially adding or overriding functionality.
The 'SportsCar' subclass inherits features from the 'Vehicle' class.
When designing the database, the developer created a subclass for premium members to handle their unique discount codes.
By defining a subclass for specific avian species, the researchers could maintain the general characteristics of the genus while documenting unique migratory patterns and nesting behaviors.
From sub- + class.
Commonly used in technical and academic contexts; often paired with the preposition 'of'.