Definition of: subordinate

(sə·bôr′də·nit) adjective
1. Belonging to an inferior order in a classification; secondary; minor.
2. Subject or subservient to another; inferior in any way.
3. Dependent; joining dependent words to others. See synonyms under AUXILIARY, SUBJECT.
—noun One who is subordinate; an inferior in rank or official position.
—v.t. (-nāt) ·nat·ed, ·nat·ing
1. To make subordinate; assign to a lower order or rank; hence, to hold as of less importance.
2. To make subject or subservient. [<L subordinatus, pp. of subordinare <sub- under + ordinare order]
—sub·or′di·nate·ly adverb
—sub·or′di·nate·ness noun
—sub·or′di·na′tion noun