In-fē′ri-or1, a.
(89), a. [Lat., compar. of inferus, that is below, underneath, the lower; It. inferiore, Sp. inferior, Fr. inférieur.] 1. Lower in place, social rank, or excellence; less important or valuable; subordinate. “A thousand inferior and particular propositions.” Watts. “The body, or, as some love to call it, our inferior nature.” Burke. Whether equal or inferior to my other poems, an author is the most improper judge. Dryden.
- (Astron.) (a.) Between the earth and the sun; as, the inferior or interior planets; an inferior conjunction of Mercury or Venus. (b.) Below the horizon; as, the inferior part of a meridian.
- (Bot.) Growing below some other organ;—used especially with reference to the position of the calyx when not adherent to the ovary. Gray.