Physics, Chemistry. the temperature at which the vapor pressure of a liquid is equal to the pressure of the atmosphere on the liquid, equal to 212°F (100°C) for water at sea level.
Abbreviation: b.p.
2.
the point beyond which one becomes angry, outraged, or agitated.
3.
the point at which matters reach a crisis.
Origin
1765-75
Examples from the web for boiling point
Canning beans and vegetables except tomatoes requires a pressure canner, which can reach temperatures above the boiling point.
Who knows but the emotion had built up to boiling point and now so was the water.
Its sodium coolant has a high boiling point-today's reactors use water-and would absorb excess heat.
Finally, valley frustrations reached another boiling point.
As tuition continues to climb, the tempers of lawmakers and the public are nearing the boiling point.
Cook, stirring, until the mixture has almost reached the boiling point and has become thick and smooth.
The lesson is a good one for fiction writers: stories fueled by intentions never reach their boiling point.
The eggs must be kept below the boiling point or the mixture will curdle.
Surrounding tissue may be damaged in the process, since it will be heated close to the boiling point.
The boiling point becomes equal to the freezing point.
British Dictionary definitions for boiling point
boiling point
noun
1.
the temperature at which a liquid boils at a given pressure, usually atmospheric pressure at sea level; the temperature at which the vapour pressure of a liquid equals the external pressure
2.
(informal) the condition of being angered or highly excited
boiling point in Science
boiling point
(boi'lĭng) The temperature at which a liquid changes to a vapor or gas. This temperature stays the same until all the liquid has vaporized. As the temperature of a liquid rises, the pressure of escaping vapor also rises, and at the boiling point the pressure of the escaping vapor is equal to that exerted on the liquid by the surrounding air, causing bubbles to form. Typically boiling points are measured at sea level. At higher altitudes, where atmospheric pressure is lower, boiling points are lower. The boiling point of water at sea level is 100°C (212°F), while at the top of Mount Everest it is 71°C (159.8°F).
A climax or crisis; a high degree of fury, excitement, or outrage. For example, The union's disgust with management has reached the boiling point. This metaphoric term alludes to the temperature at which water boils. [ Second half of 1700s ]
.
have a low boiling point. Become angry quite readily, as in Don't tease her anymore—she has a low boiling point. This phrase means that it takes less heat than usual for a boiling point to be reached. [ First half of 1800s ]