critical mass

[ krit-i-kuhl mas ]

noun

1. Physics. the amount of a given fissionable material necessary to sustain a chain reaction at a constant rate:

   The critical mass for a bomb based on uranium fission is different than that for plutonium fission.

2. an amount necessary or sufficient to have a significant effect or to achieve a result:

   a critical mass of popular support.

critical mass

noun

1. the minimum mass of fissionable material that can sustain a nuclear chain reaction
2. the minimum amount of money or number of people required to start or sustain an operation, business, process, etc

   the critical mass for a subscription digital sports channel

Word History and Origins

Origin of critical mass¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

Having a dedicated Center for Plastics Innovation at UD is a definite advantage, Vlachos said, because it brings a critical mass of people talking, thinking and working on these issues.

From Science Daily

They are drawn by its Twitter-like feel, welcoming features, and, increasingly, the critical mass of scientists in many fields who have already made the move.

From Science Magazine

The so-called experts, with some exceptions, missed the fact that added together his powers could reach a critical mass.

From Salon

Commissioner Rob Manfred has said the league hopes to assemble the streaming rights of a critical mass of teams, then offer fans the ability to subscribe to a national package without any local blackouts.

From Los Angeles Times

MLB long has hoped to launch a national streaming package, provided the league could secure streaming rights for a critical mass of its 30 teams.

From Los Angeles Times