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.
2.
Mathematics.
(of a function of a single variable) a point at which the derivative of the function is zero.
(of a function of several variables) a point at which all partial derivatives of the function are zero.
Origin
1875-80
Examples from the web for critical point
At the critical point he'd back out of a fuss with a dog of his own size.
The problem, say conservationists, is that the oceans have reached a critical point.
When a star's core contracts to a critical point a series of nuclear reactions is unleashed.
For those of us with a strong interest in human genetics the critical point is likely to be reached substantially earlier.
Then, as happens to all artists, came the critical point of production or non-production.
When population dropped to a critical point, society will have great change.
When those stresses reach a critical point something has to give.
The critical point is the interrelation of the brain and learning.
The critical point is that there is no limit to what could be done if it were worth someone's while to do it.
You'd go up there, relying on a computer, and at a critical point it would crash.
British Dictionary definitions for critical point
critical point
noun
1.
(physics)
the point on a phase diagram that represents the critical state of a substance
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.
Mathematics
A maximum, minimum, or point of inflection of a curve.
A point at which the derivative of a function is zero, infinite, or undefined.