Definition

Describing a level or amount that is not enough to stop or inhibit a process.

Example

The researchers used a subinhibitory concentration of the drug to study its effects on bacteria.

Conversation

I read that some medications can be effective even at subinhibitory levels.

Really? I didn't know that was possible.

Yeah, it seems like they can still help without fully stopping the bacteria.

That’s pretty interesting! It makes you think about how we use antibiotics.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Subinhibitory → It is formed from "sub-" (meaning under or below) and "inhibitory" (from Latin "inhibere", meaning to hold back). The term describes a level of inhibition that is below the threshold necessary to prevent a response or effect.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'under' ('sub-') a level that 'holds back' ('inhibitory') something — that's why subinhibitory refers to a level of inhibition that is not strong enough to stop an effect.

Visually Confused Words