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.

---

critical density British  

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of critical density

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

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

As we discussed, the critical density is that combination of matter and energy that brings the universe coasting to a stop at time infinity.

From Textbooks • Oct. 13, 2016

Luminous matter in stars and galaxies and neutrinos contributes about 1% of the mass required to reach critical density.

From Textbooks • Oct. 13, 2016

The determining factor is the critical density of the universe and the cosmological constant, a theoretical construct intimately related to the expansion and closure of the universe.

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