subvorm

Subvorm is a term used in multiple disciplines to describe a form that is subordinate to or derived from a primary form. The exact meaning depends on the field.

In linguistics, subvormen refer to the inflected or derived variants of a base word used in different grammatical contexts. Morphological inventories list a lemma with its subvormen, such as different tenses, numbers, cases, or moods. Analyzers and dictionaries group forms under lemmas and display subvormen for reference.

In mathematics, a subvorm of a form is defined on a subspace of the original vector space, obtained by restricting the domain. For a quadratic form q on V, a subvorm q' is q restricted to W ⊆ V. Subvormen are used in decomposition, isotropy, and the Witt decomposition.

In computing and information design, a subvorm may refer to a form embedded within another form, enabling a modular approach to data entry. Subvormen group related fields, validate input, and simplify workflows.

Etymology: Subvorm derives from sub- and vorm, reflecting its role as a form that is under or derived from another. The exact usage varies by community, but the core idea is a subordinate or constituent form.