subcritical

adjective

sub·crit·i·cal | \ ˌsəb-ˈkri-ti-kəl

\

Definition of subcritical

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

2a : 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

Examples of subcritical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on 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. — Kim Tong-hyung, The Seattle Times, "Trump welcomes N. Korea plan to blow up nuke-site tunnels," 13 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, The Seattle Times, "Trump welcomes N. Korea plan to blow up nuke-site tunnels," 13 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, The Seattle Times, "Trump welcomes N. Korea plan to blow up nuke-site tunnels," 13 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, The Seattle Times, "Trump welcomes N. Korea plan to blow up nuke-site tunnels," 13 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, The Seattle Times, "Trump welcomes N. Korea plan to blow up nuke-site tunnels," 13 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. — 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 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.

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