flash point

American  

Or flashpoint

noun

1. Physical Chemistry.  Also 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 British  

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 Scientific  

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 Cultural  

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.

---

Etymology

Origin of flash point

First recorded in 1875–80

Compare meaning

How does flash-point compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• flash point vs. fire point

Example Sentences

The detainment spawned an intense reaction from immigrant and labor activists, becoming a flash point early in the protests around California.

From Los Angeles Times

She never got the money; instead, she became a flash point for postwar anger.

From Los Angeles Times

It is the latest flash point in a national debate about how to handle what some see as an epidemic of shoplifting.

From Los Angeles Times

The suspension was lifted five days later, after it generated widespread backlash and became a flash point for free speech debates in the U.S.

From Salon

Much of tradwives’ messaging revolves around cultural flash points, problems that underscore anxiety about modern womanhood: challenges in forming stable relationships, providing nutritious meals, and building a career while trying to raise a family.

From Salon

Related Words

• turning point