Subsample
noun, verb ·Rare ·Advanced level
Definitions
- 1 A smaller portion of an original sample, created by trimming, subdividing, splitting or discrete collection of the original sample.
- 2 A portion of the original sample that is representative in nature to that of the original sample, thereby assuring equivalency in results from tests and analysis either upon the subsample or the original material, independent of their size.
"A second rater scored a subsample of copies ( n = 36 copies of both hands) and achieved high interrater reliability on the 2D and 4D measurements as well as the 2D:4D ratio with the initial rater (all intraclass r s > .97)."
- 1 To take subsamples from. transitive
"The State Department of Social Services on April 11 released studies indicating statewide ineligibility of 2 to 4 per cent for federally aided cases and 5 per cent for home relief cases. The state's subsampling for New York City suggested that the rate there might be one percentage point higher."
Example
More examples"A second rater scored a subsample of copies ( n = 36 copies of both hands) and achieved high interrater reliability on the 2D and 4D measurements as well as the 2D:4D ratio with the initial rater (all intraclass r s > .97)."
Etymology
From sub- + sample.
More for "subsample"
Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.