critical density

American  

[krit-i-kuhl den-si-tee] / ˈkrɪt ɪ kəl ˈdɛn sɪ ti /

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.

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critical density British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of critical density

First recorded in 1885–90

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

critical density

A tipping point will occur when there is such a critical density of objects in orbit that one collision could set off a chain reaction and take those systems offline, the report says.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 26, 2023

The critical density is equivalent to an average of only a few nucleons per cubic meter, remarkably small and indicative of how truly empty intergalactic space is.

From Textbooks ● Aug. 12, 2015

What would this radius be if the density were that of luminous matter, which is approximately 5% that of the critical density?

From Textbooks ● Aug. 12, 2015

Luminous matter seems to account for roughly 0.5% to 2% of the critical density, far less than that needed for closure.

From Textbooks ● Aug. 12, 2015

There may be some laws about this kind of communication, mandating a critical density and mass before it can function with efficiency.

From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas

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