Critical Point Definition & Meaning

American

British

Scientific

Etymology

Examples

Related Words

Synonyms critical point American [krit-i-kuhl point] / ˈkrɪt ɪ kəl ˈpɔɪnt /

noun

1. Physics. the point at which a substance in one phase, as the liquid, has the same density, pressure, and temperature as in another phase, as the gaseous.

   The volume of water at the critical point is uniquely determined by the critical temperature.

2. Mathematics.

   1. (of a function of a single variable) a point at which the derivative of the function is zero.

      One critical point, at x = 0, is a decreasing function for positive x.

   2. (of a function of several variables) a point at which all partial derivatives of the function are zero.

      Find and classify all the critical points of the given function.

critical point British

noun

1. physics

   1. the point on a phase diagram that represents the critical state of a substance

   2. another name for critical state

2. maths the US name for stationary point

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 critical point Scientific

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.

2. Physics Compare triple point

3. Mathematics

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

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

Etymology

Origin of critical point

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"Many Russian soldiers constantly move through the area. These are critical points," Serhii Beskrestnov, a technology advisor to the Ukrainian defence ministry, told AFP.

From Barron's

As artificial intelligence continues to advance and ethical concerns grow alongside it, scientists say the need to understand consciousness has reached a critical point.

From Science Daily

"If we want to understand the origins of complex life on Earth, the Ediacara Biota really occupies a critical point in that trajectory," says Tarhan.

From Science Daily

In that framework, “bubbles” are defined as prices that accelerate super-exponentially toward a critical point, with oscillations that become more frequent as the “bubble” matures.

From MarketWatch

A familiar physical example appears at the critical point of water, defined by a precise temperature and pressure at which liquid water and water vapor become indistinguishable.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• turning point

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.