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subscript
This term is primarily used in technical, mathematical, and scientific registers. It describes a specific typographic positioning that serves a functional purpose, such as denoting chemical stoichiometry or indexing elements in a computer science array. It is the direct opposite of a superscript, which is placed above the baseline.
In programming and mathematics, the term often refers to the index itself rather than just the visual style. While it can be used as a verb, this usage is highly specialized and typically limited to discussions about typesetting, document formatting, or coding instructions.
Meanings
A character, number, or symbol set slightly below the normal line of type.
The chemical formula for water is H2O, where the 2 is a subscript.