underthreshold

Positioned below a threshold.

Adjective

  1. Positioned below a threshold.
  2. Being below the threshold or outside of the ordinary limits of consciousness; subconscious; subliminal.
    • The notion "underthreshold" is to be explained as all that which is under the ordinary threshold or outside the customary bounds of consciousness; [...] - 1913, Edward Ebenezer Weaver, Mind and health:
    • Accordingly, it represents an underthreshold load in trained persons, and no endocrine response was observed. - 1986, Hormonal ensemble in exercise
    • In this way it is possible to describe the underthreshold membrane behavior of a neuron distinguishing the effects of synapses located in the main dendritic tree or near the trigger zone. - 2003, Vincenzo Capasso,...

Origin

From under- + threshold, probably a calque of German unterschwellig (“subliminal”, literally “under-threshold”), from unter- (“under-”) + Schwelle (“threshold”). More at under, sill.

Forms

more underthreshold most underthreshold