Definition of: subsidiary

(səb·sid′ē·er′ē) adjective
1. Assisting in an inferior capacity; supplementary; auxiliary; secondary.
2. Of, pertaining to, or in the nature of a subsidy; helping by a subsidy.
—noun plural ·ar·ies
1. One who or that which furnishes supplemental aid or supplies; an auxiliary; assistant.
2. Music A theme subordinate to or dependent on the main theme or subject. [<L subsidiarius <subsidium <subsidere SUBSIDE]
—sub·sid′i·ar′i·ly adverb