tr.v. sub·tend·ed, sub·tend·ing, sub·tends 1. Mathematics To be opposite to and delimit: The side of a triangle subtends the opposite angle. 2. To underlie so as to enclose or surround: flowers subtended by leafy bracts. [Latin subtendere, to extend underneath : sub-, sub- + tendere, to extend; see ten- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
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