subcritical

American  

[suhb-krit-i-kuhl] / sʌbˈkrɪt ɪ kəl /

adjective

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

2. being of less than critical importance.

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subcritical British  

/ sʌbˈkrɪtɪkəl /

adjective

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

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Etymology

Origin of subcritical

First recorded in 1940–45; sub- + critical

Example Sentences

The U.S. has been modernizing its warheads with subcritical testing that produces zero nuclear yield.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Other tests, both subcritical, or those without a chain nuclear reaction, and carrier tests, have never been prohibited," Lavrov added.

From Barron's

"Or he is talking about subcritical tests, but I don't think he has mastered that level of technology," she added, referring to low-yield tests authorised by the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.

From Barron's

But "in the United States, they are conducting more restrictive subcritical tests, with no energy release, no heat and no critical reaction".

From Barron's

Nuclear testing was replaced by non-nuclear and subcritical experiments using advanced computer simulations.

From Barron's