n.
Pronunciation: ' thresh- ˌ h ō ld, ' thre- ˌ sh ō ld
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English thresshold, from Old English threscwald; akin to Old Norse threskj ỏ ldr threshold, Old English threscan to thresh
Date: before 12th century
1 : the plank, stone, or piece of timber that lies under a door : SILL
2 a : GATE , DOOR b (1) : END , BOUNDARY specifically : the end of a runway (2) : the place or point of entering or beginning : OUTSET <on the threshold of a new age>
3 a : the point at which a physiological or psychological effect begins to be produced <has a high threshold for pain> b : a level, point, or value above which something is true or will take place and below which it is not or will not