subˈdorsal, a. and n.
[Cf. F. sous-dorsal.]
A. adj.
1. [sub- 1 a.] Pertaining to the part situated at the bottom of the back (i.e. the posteriors). nonce-use.
| 1800 in Spirit Publ. Jrnls. IV. 36 The vigorous posts which sustain the enormous subdorsal promontory of Lord G. Ibid. 371 He has ordered the dimensions of the subdorsal basis of each of the new scholars to be taken. |
2. Zool. [sub- 11, 21 d.] Somewhat or almost dorsal; situated near the back.
| 1835–6 Todd's Cycl. Anat. I. 522/1 Fins advanced,..distant and subdorsal. 1852 Dana Crust. i. 53 The feet of the two posterior pairs [of legs] are short and subdorsal. |
B. n. A subdorsal fin.
| 1856 Page Adv. Text-bk. Geol. xiii. 230 The dorsals differing from the sub-dorsals, and these again from the pectorals. |
Hence subˈdorsally adv., in a subdorsal position.
| 1902 Proc. Zool. Soc. II. 304 On 3rd. somite a pair of black ‘eye-spots’ surrounded by a white iris, subdorsally. |