critical density

[ krit-i-kuhl den-si-tee ]

noun

, Physics.

1. the density of a pure element or compound at a critical point:

   If space has positive curvature, the actual density of matter must be larger than the critical density.

critical density

noun

1. the density of matter that would be required to halt the expansion of the universe

Word History and Origins

Origin of critical density¹

First recorded in 1885–90