subcritical adjective. [sʌb'krɪtɪk(ǝ)l] M20.
[from SUB- 1, 5 + CRITICAL.]
Below a critical level, value, threshold, etc.; spec. (a) Metallurgy (at) less than the critical temperature above which ferrite changes into austenite; (b) Fluid Mechanics (of a flow of fluid) slower than the speed at which waves travel in the fluid; (c) Nuclear Physics containing or involving less than the critical mass.

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