critical point

critical point

n.

1. Physics The temperature and pressure at which the liquid and gaseous phases of a pure stable substance become identical. Also called critical state.

2. Mathematics

a. A maximum, minimum, or point of inflection of a curve.

b. A point at which the derivative of a function is zero, infinite, or undefined.

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critical point

1. Physics The temperature and pressure at which the liquid and gaseous phases of a pure substance become unstable and fluctuate locally within the substance. The critical point of water is at a temperature of 374°C (705.2°F) and a pressure of 218 atmospheres, at which point it becomes opaque. Compare triple point.

2. Mathematics

a. A maximum, minimum, or point of inflection of a curve.

b. A point at which the derivative of a function is zero, infinite, or undefined.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

critical point - a crisis situation or point in time when a critical decision must be made; "at that juncture he had no idea what to do"; "he must be made to realize that the company stands at a critical point" crossroads, juncture crisis - an unstable situation of extreme danger or difficulty; "they went bankrupt during the economic crisis" criticality - a critical state; especially the point at which a nuclear reaction is self-sustaining

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1. A key geographical point or position important to the success of an operation.
2. In point of time, a crisis or a turning point in an operation.
3. A selected point along a line of march used for reference in giving instructions.
4. A point where there is a change of direction or change in slope in a ridge or stream.
5. Any point along a route of march where interference with a troop movement may occur.