The term "subdominant" refers to the fourth degree of a diatonic scale in music theory. In the context of the C major scale, for example, the subdominant is the note F. It plays a crucial role in creating harmonic progressions and often leads to the dominant chord, which is the fifth degree of the scale. In broader contexts, "subdominant" can also describe something that is secondary or subordinate to a dominant element. This concept can apply in various fields, such as economics or sociology, where a subdominant group or factor may influence but not control the overall dynamics of a system.