Meanings
comparative more underthreshold · superlative most underthreshold
- Positioned below a threshold.
- Being below the threshold or outside of the ordinary limits of consciousness; subconscious; subliminal.
Accordingly, it represents an underthreshold load in trained persons, and no endocrine response was observed.
1986, Hormonal ensemble in exercise2 more examples
The notion "underthreshold" is to be explained as all that which is under the ordinary threshold or outside the customary bounds of consciousness; [...]
1913, Edward Ebenezer Weaver, Mind and healthIn this way it is possible to describe the underthreshold membrane behavior of a neuron distinguishing the effects of synapses located in the main dendritic tree or near the trigger zone.
2003, Vincenzo Capasso, Mathematical modelling & computing in biology and medicine
Synonyms & antonyms
Origin
- Germanunterschwellig“subliminal”
- Englishunderthreshold
From under- + threshold, probably a calque of German unterschwellig (“subliminal”, literally “under-threshold”), from unter- (“under-”) + Schwelle (“threshold”). More at under, sill.
More words from German
Full word history & related roots →Cite this entry
underthreshold. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 2, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/underthreshold
“underthreshold.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/underthreshold. Accessed November 2, 2026.
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “underthreshold,” accessed November 2, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/underthreshold.
Source: underthreshold on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.