threshold

Noun
Synonyms: limendoorwaydoorroom accessdoorsilldoorstepbrinkverge

WordNet 3.0

Noun (5)

  1. the starting point for a new state or experience“on the threshold of manhood”
  2. the smallest detectable sensationSynonyms: limen
  3. the entrance (the space in a wall) through which you enter or leave a room or building; the space that a door can close“he stuck his head in the doorway”Synonyms: doorwaydoorroom access
  4. the sill of a door; a horizontal piece of wood or stone that forms the bottom of a doorway and offers support when passing through a doorwaySynonyms: doorsilldoorstep
  5. a region marking a boundarySynonyms: brinkverge
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Threshold \Thresh"old\, n. [OE. threswold, [thorn]reshwold, AS. [thorn]rescwald, [thorn]erscwald, [thorn]erscold, [thorn]rescold, fr. [thorn]rescan, [thorn]erscan, to thresh; akin to Icel. [thorn]reskj["o]de, [thorn]r["o]skuldr, Sw. tr["o]skel, Dan. t[ae]rskel. See Thrash.]

1.The plank, stone, or piece of timber, which lies under a door, especially of a dwelling house, church, temple, or the like; the doorsill; hence, entrance; gate; door. [1913 Webster]

2.Fig.: The place or point of entering or beginning, entrance; outset; as, the threshold of life. [1913 Webster]

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