flash point
The term "flash point" has both scientific and figurative uses, referring to the lowest temperature for ignition in chemistry and a critical moment or place in broader contexts.
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Definition
C1Chemistry
(technical)The lowest temperature at which a liquid can vaporize to form an ignitable mixture in air.
Example
- The flash point of gasoline is much lower than that of diesel fuel.
C1Safety
(technical)The minimum temperature at which a substance will ignite when exposed to a flame or spark.
Example
- Understanding the flash point of various materials is crucial for fire safety regulations.
B2Politics
(figurative)A critical situation or location likely to erupt into violence or intense activity.
Example
- The city became a flash point for protests and political unrest.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "flash point":
firing pointflash overflash cutcritical pointflash packboiling pointblue flashbreaking pointcold firehit pointmelting pointaction point