subcritical

[ suhb-krit-i-kuh l ]
/ sʌbˈkrɪt ɪ kəl /

adjective

Physics. pertaining to a state, value, or quantity that is less than critical, especially to a mass of radioactive material.
being of less than critical importance.

Origin of subcritical

First recorded in 1940–45; sub- + critical

Words nearby subcritical

subcostal muscle, subcostal nerve, subcostal plane, subcover, subcrepitant, subcritical, subcrustal, subculture, subcurrent, subcutaneous, subcutaneous emphysema

British Dictionary definitions for subcritical

subcritical
/ (sʌbˈkrɪtɪkəl) /

adjective

physics (of a nuclear reaction, power station, etc) having or involving a chain reaction that is not self-sustaining; not yet critical