subcritical

adjective sub·crit·i·cal \ ˌsəb-ˈkri-ti-kəl \

Updated on: 17 May 2018

Definition of subcritical

1 : less or lower than critical in respect to a specified factor

2 a : of insufficient size to sustain a chain reaction

a subcritical mass of fissionable material

b : designed for use with fissionable material of subcritical mass

a subcritical reactor

Recent Examples of subcritical from the Web

These refer to experiments involving a subcritical mass of nuclear materials that allow scientists to examine the performance and safety of weapons without triggering a nuclear chain reaction and explosion.

— Washington Post, "Trump welcomes N. Korea plan to blow up nuke-site tunnels," 12 May 2018
These refer to experiments involving a subcritical mass of nuclear materials that allow scientists to examine the performance and safety of weapons without triggering a nuclear chain reaction and explosion.

— kim ton-hyung, BostonGlobe.com, "North Korea says it will begin shutting down nuclear test site this month," 12 May 2018
These refer to experiments involving a subcritical mass of nuclear materials that allow scientists to examine the performance and safety of weapons without triggering a nuclear chain reaction and explosion.

— kim tong-hyung, chicagotribune.com, "North Korea says it will dismantle nuclear test site before Trump meets with Kim Jong Un," 12 May 2018
These refer to experiments involving a subcritical mass of nuclear materials that allow scientists to examine the performance and safety of weapons without triggering a nuclear chain reaction and explosion.

— NBC News, "Trump thanks North Korea for saying it will dismantle nuclear test site ahead of summit," 12 May 2018
Setbacks can as easily stoke as sap, movements may grow as well as wither, and every critical mass has, of necessity, been built from a subcritical one.

— kathryn schulz, The New Yorker, "What Calling Congress Achieves," 6 Mar. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'subcritical.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.