Word
subclass
Phoneticssub·class
Countable noun
Definition
n. 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.
Examples
“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.”
Examples
simple
“The 'SportsCar' subclass inherits features from the 'Vehicle' class.”
contextual
“When designing the database, the developer created a subclass for premium members to handle their unique discount codes.”
complex
“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.”
Usage
Commonly used in technical and academic contexts; often paired with the preposition 'of'.
Real-World Examples
“During its mission lifetime, NASA's retired Spitzer Space Telescope examined the debris disk stage and discovered a subclass termed extreme debris disks.” Etymology
From sub- + class.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/subclass