|səb+ adjective
Etymology: sub- + Latin limin-, limen threshold + English -al — more at limb
1. : falling below the threshold of stimulation (as for nerve or muscle) : inadequate to produce a sensation or a perception : too small for discrimination
2.
a. : existing or functioning outside the area of conscious awareness : influencing thought, feeling, or behavior in a manner unperceived by personal or subjective consciousness
subliminal perception
the subliminal mind
— compare subconscious , supraconscious , unconscious
b. : designed to influence the mind on levels other than that of conscious awareness and especially by presentation too brief to be consciously perceived
subliminal techniques in TV advertising
• sub·limi·nal·ly -n ə lē, - ə li adverb