1. below the level needed to sustain a nuclear chain reaction
Usage: nuclear physics
2. below a critical point, threshold, or level
Usage: technical

Examples

• The reactor remained subcritical during the safety test.
• Subcritical mass cannot sustain a chain reaction on its own.
• The fluid was kept at subcritical pressure to prevent phase changes.
• Engineers monitored the subcritical conditions carefully.
• The subcritical assembly required an external neutron source.
• Subcritical experiments help scientists study nuclear processes safely.