Sub Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sub

[sʌb ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

Mathematics

A subtraction operation in mathematics where one number is taken away from another.

Synonyms

deduction, minus, subtraction.

Examples of usage

She struggled with the concept of subtractions in her math class.
The sub of 5 and 3 is 2.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

Sub sandwiches are popular in American culture, often served at parties and gatherings.
Many movies and TV shows have characters that enjoy subs, highlighting their cultural significance as a quick meal.
The term 'sub' is used in various video games to indicate a supportive or lower-ranking character.

Science

In biology, 'sub' can refer to a category that is below a particular classification, like 'subspecies'.
Subatomic particles are the building blocks of atoms and are studied in physics.
Subduction zones are areas in tectonic plates where one plate moves under another, causing earthquakes.

Education

The abbreviation 'sub' is often used for substitute teachers who fill in when the regular teacher is away.
In computer science, 'subroutine' refers to a set of instructions that performs a specific task within software.
Many universities use the prefix 'sub' to designate graduate-level courses that are foundational or introductory.

Language

'Sub' is commonly used in various languages as a shorthand for 'substitute' or 'subway'.
It appears in terms like 'subtext', which means the underlying meaning of something.
The use of 'sub' has expanded in the digital age, where it means subscribing to channels on platforms like YouTube.

Origin of 'sub'

Main points about word origin

The prefix comes from Latin 'sub', meaning 'under' or 'below'.
The word 'submarine' combines 'sub' with 'marine', indicating something that goes under the sea.
In the mid-19th century, 'sub' started being used as slang for a type of sandwich, likely from the Italian 'submarino', named after its shape.

The word 'sub' originated from the Latin word 'subtrahere', which means 'to take away'. It has been used in mathematics for centuries to denote the operation of subtraction. The symbol '-' is commonly used to represent the subtraction operation, and 'sub' is often used as a shorthand term for this operation.