critical mass

[krit-i-kuhl mas]

noun

1. Physics.,  the amount of a given fissionable material necessary to sustain a chain reaction at a constant rate.

   The critical mass for a bomb based on uranium fission is different than that for plutonium fission.

2. an amount necessary or sufficient to have a significant effect or to achieve a result.

   a critical mass of popular support.

critical mass

noun

1. the minimum mass of fissionable material that can sustain a nuclear chain reaction

2. the minimum amount of money or number of people required to start or sustain an operation, business, process, etc

   the critical mass for a subscription digital sports channel

Word History and Origins

Origin of critical mass¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

It has succeeded without fancy amenities, without large government subsidies, and without a “critical mass” of nonblack students to provide “diversity” in the classroom.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“But at the same time the point of merging is to create synergies and to create the critical mass to carry large projects together.”

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The Epstein saga, which seemed to be old news at the beginning of this year, is approaching a self-sustaining critical mass that will be difficult for anyone, no matter how well-connected or influential, to contain.

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For two years, labor organizers tried to unionize employees at a trio of celebrated California national parks, but they couldn’t reach critical mass.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"There is a critical mass of employment," he explains.

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