threshold Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the starting point for a new state or experience
    • on the threshold of manhood
  2. noun the smallest detectable sensation
    limen.
  3. noun the entrance (the space in a wall) through which you enter or leave a room or building; the space that a door can close
    room access; doorway; door.
    • he stuck his head in the doorway
  4. noun 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 doorway
    doorsill; doorstep.
  5. noun a region marking a boundary
    brink; verge.

WordNet

Thresh"old noun
Etymology
OE. threswold, þreshwold, AS. þrescwald, þerscwald, þerscold, þrescold, fr. þrescan, þerscan, to thresh; akin to Icel. þreskjöde, þröskuldr, Sw. tröskel, Dan. tærskel. See Thrash.
Definitions
  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.
  2. Fig.: The place or point of entering or beginning, entrance; outset; as, the threshold of life.

Webster 1913