subclimax

[ suhb-klahy-maks ]
/ sʌbˈklaɪ mæks /

noun Ecology.

the development of an ecological community to a stage short of the expected climax because of some factor, as repeated fires in a forest, that arrests the normal succession.

Origin of subclimax

First recorded in 1930–35; sub- + climax

Words nearby subclimax

subclavian steal, subclavian steal syndrome, subclavian triangle, subclavian vein, subclavius, subclimax, subclinical, subclinical absence, subclinical diabetes, subcolumnar, subcommission

British Dictionary definitions for subclimax

subclimax
/ (sʌbˈklaɪmæks) /

noun

ecology a community in which development has been arrested before climax has been attained

Derived forms of subclimax

subclimactic (ˌsʌbklaɪˈmæktɪk), adjective

Scientific definitions for subclimax

subclimax
[ sŭb-klī′măks′ ]

A stage in the ecological succession of a plant or animal community immediately preceding a climax, often persisting because of the repeated effects of fire, flood, or other conditions. See also climax community succession.