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

It wasn't enough for the measure reach its 60 percent majority threshold, therefore abortion access will remain limited in the south.

From Salon

On Wednesday, the prime minister's press secretary told reporters the 5% threshold set by the previous government "remains the same".

From BBC

Communities Minister Matthew Pennycook told the Commons this was the "right threshold", as he pointed to the pressures on council budgets.

From BBC

At the same time, the payment threshold will be lowered from £9,100 to £5,000 a year.

From BBC

The threshold for students starting university in England this year is £25,000.

From BBC

Related Words

• brink
• verge