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subcritical

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

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

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First Known Use of subcritical

1823

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