subunit

sub- +‎ unit

• (UK) IPA^(key): /sʌbˈjuːnɪt/

subunit (plural subunits)

1. Any subdivision of a larger unit.
   • 1961 October, “New Metropolitan Line train sets enter service”, in Trains Illustrated, page 622:

     The bogies are built up of welded sub-units which are stress-relieved before assembly by riveting.

   • 2007 September 25, Bungie, Halo 3, Microsoft Game Studios, Xbox 360, level/area: Terminal Three (Legendary):

     Interchange manipulation comparisons showed that all subunits are still active, if at slightly lower rates.

2. (biochemistry) A protein subunit.