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difference limen

difference limen

9.9
The smallest change in a thing, like sound, light or weight, that a person can notice
  • noun
  • /ˈdɪfərəns ˈlɪmən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : limen de diferencia
  • In hearing tests, researchers measure the difference limen for changes in sound intensity.

Examples

  • The difference limen for weight perception varies depending on the original mass being lifted.

  • A subject's difference limen tends to decrease with practice, allowing them to detect finer distinctions.

  • The difference limen for sound intensity can vary between individuals.

  • Researchers found that the difference limens for brightness are often underestimated.

  • In hearing tests, researchers measure the difference limen for changes in sound intensity.

  • The difference limen for weight perception varies depending on the original mass being lifted.

  • Researchers found that the difference limen for brightness is often underestimated.

Synonyms

differential limen
vsdifference limen
  • Specialized
9.9

The smallest change in how strong a sound, touch, or light feels that a person can notice

is the same concept but expressed using a different technical term
difference threshold
vsdifference limen
  • Specialized
7.7

The smallest change in something, like light or taste, that a person can notice

uses intensity or magnitude wording instead of the general phrase amount of change
differential threshold
vsdifference limen
  • Specialized
8.8

The smallest change in what you see, hear, or taste that a person can notice

emphasizes individual detection rather than general sensory wording
jnd
vsdifference limen
  • Specialized
9.9

The smallest change in what you see, hear, or feel that people notice half the time

is defined without the experimental half the time measurement
just-noticeable difference
vsdifference limen
  • Specialized
7.9

The smallest change in a sound, weight, or temperature that a person can notice half the time

is stated more generally without the experimental timing and setting

Surface Forms

Morphology

difference + limen

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'.