imperceptible

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   impossible or difficult to perceive by the mind or senses

   an imperceptible drop in temperature

2. 2
   adj

   Not perceptible, not detectable, too small in magnitude to be observed.

   We all missed the imperceptible shake of his head as he tried to warn us without being seen.

3. 3
   noun

   Something that is imperceptible.

   The worm that cauſeth it, is it any thing elſe but one of thoſe little Creatures, that hath deprived it ſelf from all ſocitety, to eſtabliſh it ſelf a Gyant in its own Countrey? If you ask me, VVhy they are bigger then other imperceptibles? I muſt ask you, VVhy Elephants are bigger then we?

4. 4
   adj

   Beyond the purview of man; too great and all-encompassing to be perceived.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English imperceptible, from Middle French imperceptible and its etymon Medieval Latin imperceptibilis. By surface analysis, im- + perceptible.