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Subscript - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A subscript is a small character or number written slightly below the normal text line, often used in chemical formulas (like H₂O) or mathematical notation.

subscript

/ˈsʌbˌskrɪpt/ /ˈsʌbskrɪpt/

Definition:

A character printed below the normal line of text, often used in mathematical or chemical notation.

Synonyms:

subscripted, inferior, below-the-line

Part of Speech:

noun, adjective

Antonyms:

superscript, above-the-line

Common Collocations:

chemical formula, mathematical notation, footnotes

Derivatives:

subscripted, subscripting

Usage Tips:

Use 'subscript' for numbers or letters written below the baseline, like in H₂O or x₁.

Common Phrases:

chemical subscript, mathematical subscript, footnote reference

Etymology:

From Latin 'subscriptus,' meaning 'written beneath,' combining 'sub-' (under) and 'scribere' (to write).

Examples:

  • 1. Please subscribe to our newsletter for updates.
  • 2. The formula H₂O uses a subscript for the number 2.
  • 3. In math, variables like x₁ often have subscripts.
  • 4. Footnotes sometimes use subscript numbers for references.

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