limen

A limen is a threshold or border between one thing and another.

In psychology and physiology, the word more specifically refers to the point or threshold at which a sensation, such as pain, becomes strong enough to be experienced. In this sense, the limen is the dividing line between the sensation being too faint to be noticed and the point where it starts to be felt.

In medicine, limen refers to the opening or entrance to a body part, such as an anatomical canal.

The adjective liminal can be used for all senses of the word limen to describe things that are located or exist at such a point. The state of existing at such a point is called liminality.

The correct plural of limen can be either limens or limina.

Example: This study will attempt to identify the limen at which the sensation of pain can be experienced by a patient.

The first records of the word limen come from the late 1800s. It comes from the Latin līmen, meaning “threshold.” In its literal sense, a threshold is a doorway.

Limen almost always refers to some kind of threshold or border between two places or stages. In psychology and physiology, limen often refers to a threshold where something begins or becomes sufficient enough to be experienced, such as pain or consciousness. The adjective form liminal often describes places that serve as transitional zones between one place and another—an airport might be described as liminal.

What are some other forms related to limen?

• liminal (adjective)
• liminality (noun)

What are some synonyms for limen?

• threshold

What are some words that share a root or word element with limen? 

• subliminal
• eliminate

What are some words that often get used in discussing limen?

• in-between
• space
• place
• border
• transition
• psychology
• anthropology

Limen is almost always used in a technical or formal way.

thanks — really interested in the subliminal part. Liminal is really hard, how do you show right at the limen and not above or below?

— Jeff Rouder (@JeffRouder) April 22, 2019

Within this #aphotic space lies a threshold of perception physiology, psychology, & psychophysics call limen, the liminal point being that threshold of a physiological or psychological response. Liken it to dusk or twilight and sleep, perchance to dream. #vss365

— stephanie pope (@mythopoetry) May 12, 2019

I just published “On The Limen of Poetic Being” https://t.co/IK3zhS2Lj2

— StillJustJames (@StillJustJames) September 19, 2018

True or False? 

Limen usually means the same thing as threshold.