difference limen
- noun
- /ˈdɪfərəns ˈlɪmən/
- Specialized
- In hearing tests, researchers measure the difference limen for changes in sound intensity.
Examples
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The difference limen for weight perception varies depending on the original mass being lifted.
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A subject's difference limen tends to decrease with practice, allowing them to detect finer distinctions.
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The difference limen for sound intensity can vary between individuals.
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Researchers found that the difference limens for brightness are often underestimated.
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In hearing tests, researchers measure the difference limen for changes in sound intensity.
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The difference limen for weight perception varies depending on the original mass being lifted.
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Researchers found that the difference limen for brightness is often underestimated.
Synonyms
1
7.9
The smallest change in a sound, weight, or temperature that a person can notice half the time
The smallest change in how strong a sound, touch, or light feels that a person can notice
The smallest change in something, like light or taste, that a person can notice
The smallest change in what you see, hear, or taste that a person can notice
The smallest change in what you see, hear, or feel that people notice half the time
Surface Forms
Morphology
If a learner knows 'limen' as the lowest level of sensory detection, combining it with 'difference' straightforwardly yields 'the threshold for detecting differences' which matches the provided definition. Although 'limen' is a technical/rare term, the compound meaning is directly compositional and therefore recoverable from its parts.
Etymology
The term difference limen combines difference and limen, where limen was an old word for a 'doorstep' or edge. Imagine a tiny change that just crosses that little step so you can 'notice' it, so difference limen means the smallest change in something you hear, see, or feel that a person can 'notice'.