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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

subcritical

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

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 17, 2025

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 ● Oct. 30, 2025

Washington, however, is preparing to conduct next year at the Nevada Test Site two so-called subcritical experiments involving fissile materials in amounts too small to ignite a nuclear explosion.

From Reuters ● Oct. 10, 2023

It would also serve as a prototype for subcritical nuclear power reactors that, unlike existing plants, do not sustain a chain reaction in their core.

From Science Magazine ● Dec. 6, 2022

I suppose it would blow one subcritical mass into another.

From The Cosmic Computer by H. Beam Piper

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