subpassage1
/ˈsʌbpasɪdʒ/noun
1A passage beneath something; an underground passage, a subway. In later use also: a smaller or subsidiary branch of a passage or network of passages.
2Chiefly Microbiology. The process of transferring microorganisms cultivated in one animal to another, typically in order to alter their virulence; an instance of this. Later also (more generally): = subculture.
Origin
Early 19th century; earliest use found in The Morning Chronicle. From sub- + passage.
subpassage2
/ˈsʌbpasɪdʒ/Chiefly Microbiology
verb
[with object] To perform subpassage upon (microorganisms); (more generally): to subculture. Also: to inoculate (an experimental animal) with infectious material in the process of subpassage. Usually in pass.
Origin
1920s. From subpassage. Compare passage, and slightly earlier subpassaging.