subliminal

comparative more subliminal · superlative most subliminal · alternative obsolete sub-liminal

1. medicineOf a stimulus, below the limen or threshold of conscious perception, especially if still able to produce a response; also (generally), below the threshold where a response can be produced.First known use late 19th c.

   Synonyms: latent, underthreshold · Antonyms: liminal, superliminal

   1. broadlymedicineOf an advertisement, a message, etc.: conveyed in a manner that the viewer is unaware of being influenced by it.

      Synonyms: latent, underthreshold · Antonyms: liminal, superliminal

2. human sciencesWithout directed awareness or thought; subconscious (dated), unconscious.First known use late 19th c.

plural subliminals · alternative obsolete sub-liminal

1. Chiefly preceded by the: something which is below the limen or threshold of conscious perception.
   1. broadlymedicineAn advertisement, a message, etc., which is conveyed in a manner that a person is unaware of being influenced by it.First known use late 19th c.
   2. InternetmedicineAn audio or video recording, often consisting of ambient music or white noise with hidden affirmations, intended to produce physical or psychological changes in the listener through repetition.First known use late 19th c.

      She spent all night listening to a subliminal to change her eye color.

2. human sciencesChiefly preceded by the: the subconscious (dated) or unconscious self.First known use late 19th c.