Not quite lethal. ... (05 Mar 2000) ... 
(sәb-le´thәl) insufficient to cause death.
Type: Term Pronunciation: sŭb-lē′thăl Definitions: 1. Not quite lethal.
Genetic condition in which animals do not function normally but can still survive.
sublethal 1. Almost lethal or fatal. 2. Less than lethal; such as, a sublethal dose of poison.
almost lethal or fatal: a sublethal dose of poison.