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

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.)

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

Idioms and Phrases

A climax or crisis; a high degree of fury, excitement, or outrage. For example, The union's disgust with management has reached the boiling point . This metaphoric term alludes to the temperature at which water boils. [Second half of 1700s]

have a low boiling point . Become angry quite readily, as in Don't tease her anymore—she has a low boiling point . This phrase means that it takes less heat than usual for a boiling point to be reached. [First half of 1800s] Also see boil over ; make one's blood boil .

Example Sentences

Under the right pressure conditions, ice can form at room temperature or even at temperatures higher than its usual boiling point.

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It can take quite a few years to get to to that boiling point.

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“We’re nearing a boiling point of rising churn and overwhelming choice.”

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Water transfers heat to another liquid with a lower boiling point to generate steam that spins turbines for generating electricity.

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This frustration reached its boiling point this summer after Reisen went nearly five months without her medication.

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Related Words

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