noun
- subdivisions of electron shells in atoms, characterized by specific energy levels and orbital shapes
Usage: chemistry; physics
Examples
- The s, p, d, and f subshells have different shapes and energy levels.
- Electrons fill subshells in order of increasing energy.
- The p subshell can hold up to six electrons.
- Chemistry students learn about subshells when studying electron configuration.
- The d subshells are found in transition metals.
- Each subshell contains one or more orbitals.