boiling point

noun

1. 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. : b.p.
2. the point beyond which one becomes angry, outraged, or agitated.
3. the point at which matters reach a crisis.

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

/ boi′lĭng /

1. 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).

boiling point

1. The temperature at which a given material changes from a liquid to a gas . The boiling point is the same temperature as the condensation point . ( See phases of matter .)

Notes

Water boils at 212 degrees Fahrenheit (see also Fahrenheit ) or 100 degrees Celsius .

Word History and Origins

Origin of boiling point¹

First recorded in 1765–75

Example Sentences

Get Boiling Point, our newsletter exploring climate change, energy and the environment, and become part of the conversation — and the solution.

From Los Angeles Times

Get Boiling Point, our newsletter exploring climate change, energy and the environment, and become part of the conversation — and the solution.

From Los Angeles Times

Get Boiling Point, our newsletter exploring climate change, energy and the environment, and become part of the conversation — and the solution.

From Los Angeles Times

Get Boiling Point, our newsletter exploring climate change, energy and the environment, and become part of the conversation — and the solution.

From Los Angeles Times

The tension came to a boiling point in recent weeks when Steel’s campaign sent mailers depicting Tran as a communist sympathizer.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• acrimony
• energy
• ferocity
• frenzy
• furor
• indignation
• intensity
• ire
• madness
• passion
• rage
• storm
• violence