dependent claim

A claim that refers back to and further limits or restrict another claim. MPEP 608.01(n).

This is a claim that makes express reference to and depends on a prior claim and, thereby, incorporates by reference all of the recitals of the prior claim. This claim must be read as if it contained its own express recitals plus the recitals of every claim or claims from which it depends. Claims that do not depend from another are referred to as independent claims.

a claim that refers back to (depends on) and further limits a preceding dependent or independent claim. A dependent claim shall include every limitation of the claim from which it depends.