subcritical

adjective sub·crit·i·cal \-ˈkri-ti-kəl\

Definition of SUBCRITICAL

: less or lower than critical in respect to a specified factor

a : of insufficient size to sustain a chain reaction <a subcritical mass of fissionable material>

b : designed for use with fissionable material of subcritical mass <a subcritical reactor>

1930

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