critical point

1. Physics. The temperature and pressure at which the liquid and gaseous phases of a pure stable substance become identical. Also called critical state.
2. Mathematics.
   1. A maximum, minimum, or point of inflection of a curve.
   2. A point at which the derivative of a function is zero, infinite, or undefined.

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(DOD) 1. A key geographical point or position important to the success of an operation. 2. In point of time, a crisis or a turning point in an operation. 3. A selected point along a line of march used for reference in giving instructions. 4. A point where there is a change of direction or change in slope in a ridge or stream. 5. Any point along a route of march where interference with a troop movement may occur.

Critical point may refer to:

• Critical point (mathematics)
• Critical point (set theory)
• Critical point (thermodynamics)

See also

• Brillouin zone
• Percolation thresholds

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