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inferior

in·fe·ri·or [ in free ər ]


adjective 
Definition:
 
1. lower in standing: lower or low in rank, standing, or degree

2. not as good: lower in quality or value

3. mediocre: failing to meet a standard of quality, ability, or achievement

4. anatomy lower in body: describes a body part or organ situated beneath another similar part

5. botany below calyx: describes a plant ovary located below a calyx

6. astronomy between Earth and Sun: orbiting or taking place between Earth and the Sun. Mercury and Venus are designated as inferior planets.

7. printing printed below line: written or printed at a slightly lower level than the rest of the characters in a line, e.g. the "2" in "CO2"



noun  (plural in·fe·ri·ors)
Definition:
 
1. lower ranking person: somebody of lower status, rank, or quality

2. printing subscript character: a character printed or written below the line

[15th century. < Latin, "lower" < inferus "below"]

in·fe·ri·or·i·ty [ in free áwrətee ] noun
in·fe·ri·or·ly [ in free ərlee ] adverb
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