subpatent
/ˌsʌbˈpeɪtnt/adjective
1 Botany. Of a part of a plant: somewhat or partially patent.
2 Medicine. Of a parasite or parasitic infection: present but not detectable by standard laboratory methods; compare patent.
Origin
Early 19th century; earliest use found in William Hooker (1785–1865), botanist. From sub- + patent, originally after scientific Latin subpatens, specific use of present participle of classical Latin subpatēre to lie open or outspread (2nd cent. a.d. in Apuleius).