1. smaller than or relating to components smaller than a virus
Usage: scientific; microbiology
2. relating to infectious agents that are simpler than viruses
Usage: scientific; microbiology

Examples

• Prions are subviral infectious agents that contain only protein.
• The researcher studied subviral particles in the laboratory.
• Subviral agents like viroids can cause plant diseases.
• Scientists discovered subviral components within the infected cells.
• The textbook explained how subviral entities differ from complete viruses.
• Subviral research has advanced our understanding of infectious diseases.