early 15c. (transitive), from Late Latin subdividere from sub in the sense of "resulting from further division" (see sub-) + Latin dividere (see division). Intransitive sense is from 1590s.
The cells subdivided
This apartment cannot be subdivided any further!
subcontractor
subculture
subcutaneous
sub-deb
subdenomination
subdivide
subdivision
subdominant
subduce
subduct
subduction