subcritical
|sub-crit-i-cal|
/sʌbˈkrɪtɪkəl/
below critical threshold
Etymology
'subcritical' originates from the prefix 'sub-' meaning 'below' and the word 'critical' from Greek 'kritikos' meaning 'able to judge'.
'subcritical' evolved from the combination of 'sub-' and 'critical' in modern English to describe states below critical thresholds.
Initially, it meant 'below the critical point', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
referring to a state or condition that is below the critical threshold, especially in nuclear physics where a subcritical mass is insufficient to sustain a chain reaction.
The reactor was kept in a subcritical state to ensure safety.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45