sublethal

American  

[suhb-lee-thuhl] / sʌbˈli θəl /

adjective

1. almost lethal or fatal.

   a sublethal dose of poison.

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Etymology

Origin of sublethal

First recorded in 1890–95; sub- + lethal

Example Sentences

"Cancer cells which survive initial drug treatment experience sublethal cell death signaling which, instead of killing the cell, actually helps the cancer regrow. If we block this death signaling within these surviving cells, we can potentially stop tumors from relapsing during therapy."

From Science Daily

“Nowadays these mammals and salmon have more sublethal threats than they used to,” Mastick says, including warming seas, pollution, and shipping noise.

From Science Magazine

"In a seven-day test, we'll get three to four rounds of reproduction with daily hatching, so we can look for both lethal effects and sublethal effects such as reproductive and growth impacts that have an effect on population survival."

From Science Daily

While salmon won’t venture into water warmer than 70 degrees, any water above 59 degrees is considered “sublethal,” stressing the fish and making them susceptible for disease and developmental issues.

From Seattle Times

The right whale consortium said sublethal injuries to whales from collisions and fishing gear are also a major concern for the remaining population.

From Seattle Times