subcritical
adjective
sub·crit·i·cal
ˌsəb-ˈkri-ti-kəl 
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
Examples of subcritical in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The original uranium and graphite used by Dr. Enrico Fermi and his associates in the world's first nuclear reactor have been used in this exponential assembly or subcritical reactor constructed at Argonne National Laboratory, circa 1956.
—
Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 2 Aug. 2023
In a subcritical network, the connections are so weak that very few neurons are coupled together, so only a few small assemblies can form.
—John M. Beggs, Quanta Magazine, 31 Jan. 2023
If the brain were extremely subcritical, according to Beggs, incoming signals would get damped and have no impact.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Quanta Magazine, 14 June 2018
Priesemann suggests that the brain is slightly subcritical.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Quanta Magazine, 14 June 2018
Similarly, Viola Priesemann of the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization in Gottingen has argued that the brain operates in a slightly subcritical zone.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 7 June 2019
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, 13 May 2018
See More
Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 2 Aug. 2023
In a subcritical network, the connections are so weak that very few neurons are coupled together, so only a few small assemblies can form.
—John M. Beggs, Quanta Magazine, 31 Jan. 2023
If the brain were extremely subcritical, according to Beggs, incoming signals would get damped and have no impact.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Quanta Magazine, 14 June 2018
Priesemann suggests that the brain is slightly subcritical.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Quanta Magazine, 14 June 2018
Similarly, Viola Priesemann of the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization in Gottingen has argued that the brain operates in a slightly subcritical zone.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 7 June 2019
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, 13 May 2018
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'subcritical.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1823, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near subcritical
Cite this Entry
“Subcritical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subcritical. Accessed 23 Sep. 2023.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share