ecology a category usually intermediate between species (or subspecies) and forma (i.e., form), given a Latin name preceded by "var.", based on fewer correlated characters than are used to differentiate species or subspecies, and having a more restricted geographical occurrence —see ecotype, species, subspecies 2. an assemblage of cultivated individuals distinguished by any useful, reproducible character(s), usually termed a cultivar —see race, taxon, taxonomyThis definition last updated 08/17/2008