threshold

[ thresh-ohld, thresh-hohld ]

noun

1. the sill of a doorway.
2. the entrance to a house or building.
3. any place or point of entering or beginning:

   the threshold of a new career.

4. Also called limen. Psychology, Physiology. the point at which a stimulus is of sufficient intensity to begin to produce an effect:

   the threshold of consciousness; a low threshold of pain.

threshold

/ ˈθrɛʃˌhəʊld; ˈθrɛʃəʊld /

noun

1. Also calleddoorsill a sill, esp one made of stone or hardwood, placed at a doorway
2. any doorway or entrance
3. the starting point of an experience, event, or venture

   on the threshold of manhood

4. psychol the strength at which a stimulus is just perceived Compare absolute threshold difference threshold

   the threshold of consciousness

5. 1. a level or point at which something would happen, would cease to happen, or would take effect, become true, etc
   2. ( as modifier )

      threshold effect

      threshold price

6. 1. the minimum intensity or value of a signal, etc, that will produce a response or specified effect

      a frequency threshold

   2. ( as modifier )

      a threshold current

7. modifier designating or relating to a pay agreement, clause, etc, that raises wages to compensate for increases in the cost of living

Word History and Origins

Origin of threshold¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English threschold, Old English threscold, threscwald; cognate with Old Norse threskǫldr, dialectal Swedish träskvald; akin to thresh in earlier sense “trample, tread”; -old, -wald element of obscure origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of threshold¹

Old English therscold; related to Old Norse threskoldr, Old High German driscubli, Old Swedish thriskuldi

Example Sentences

The NFU has also released analysis which it says shows that “around 75% of commercial family farms will be above the £1 million threshold”.

From BBC

"There aren't many farms year on year that are sold in excess of that amount, and therefore that threshold is high," he said.

From BBC

After all, this was the week the Kremlin leader lowered the threshold for the use of Russian nuclear weapons.

From BBC

Upon reaching a specific pressure threshold, which can be adjusted based on the thickness and composition of the membrane, the membrane opens, enabling the regulated release of excess air.

From Science Daily

When he crossed that threshold last week against Nebraska, Marks was feeling about as bad as he had all season.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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