flash point

or flashpoint

noun

1. Also Physical Chemistry. the lowest temperature at which a liquid in a specified apparatus will give off sufficient vapor to ignite momentarily on application of a flame.
2. a critical point or stage at which something or someone suddenly causes or creates some significant action:

   A 10 percent drop in mortgage rates will produce a flash point in the housing market.

3. a critical situation or area having the potential of erupting in sudden violence:

   The Mideast has been the flash point for a series of conflicts.

flash point

noun

1. the lowest temperature at which the vapour above a liquid can be ignited in air
2. a critical moment beyond which a situation will inevitably erupt into violence

   the political mood has reached flash point

flash point

1. The lowest temperature at which the vapor of a flammable liquid will ignite in air. The flash point is generally lower than the temperature needed for the liquid itself to ignite.

flash point

1. For a given flammable substance, the lowest temperature at which vapors passing from the substance into the air will catch fire spontaneously if a small flame is present.

Word History and Origins

Origin of flash point¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

The gaps hint that a critical flash point of America’s political impasse may be misunderstood.

From Salon

“Immigration is going to be one of the main flash points, assuming there are efforts at mass deportation,” Schickler said.

From Los Angeles Times

Among the flash points driving Christians into Republican arms were federal court rulings supporting and IRS policy to deny tax exemptions to segregationist schools.

From Los Angeles Times

“This could be a real flash point for him, both pro and con, for his career.”

From Los Angeles Times

The island has garnered greater attention over the past few years as a flash point in deteriorating U.S.-China relations.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• turning point