The word "subsidiary" refers to a company that is controlled or partially owned by another larger company, known as the parent company. This smaller company operates independently but relies on the parent company for guidance, resources, or financial support. Additionally, "subsidiary" can also describe something that is secondary or supplementary in nature, not the main focus or part of a hierarchy.
The word "subsidiary" originates from the Latin word "subsidiarius," which means "serving to assist." This is based on "subsidium," meaning "assistance" or "support." The term has evolved in English to describe a business relationship where one company supports or is secondary to another.