subordinate clause noun a clause, typically introduced by a conjunction, that forms part of and is dependent on a main clause. *** OLIVER QUEEN is a subordinate clause. He is something that doesn't make sense on its own. Something that is entirely dependent on a main clause. TOMMY MERLYN is a conjunction. Something typically used to introduce a subordinate clause to a main clause. LAUREL LANCE is a main clause. She makes perfect sense on her own. But with the addition of a subordinate clause her life could become just a little bit more interesting... **AU one-shot**