critical constant

[krit-i-kuhl kon-stuhnt]

noun

Physics.

1. any of three constants (density, pressure, temperature) associated with the critical point of a pure element or compound.

   The equation predicts a value of 3.53 for the critical constant and gives better agreement with observed behavior for simpler gases.

Word History and Origins

Origin of critical constant¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

Later, discovering Edgar’s drawings, which he had frightened his son out of showing him, Vincent begins both to build the puppet in hopes that putting Eric on television will bring Edgar back, and to hallucinate its presence as a hectoring, critical constant companion.

Read more on Los Angeles Times