flash point

American  

Or flashpoint

noun

1. Physical Chemistry. Also the lowest temperature at which a liquid in a specified apparatus will give off sufficient vapor to ignite momentarily on application of a flame.

2. a critical point or stage at which something or someone suddenly causes or creates some significant action.

   A 10 percent drop in mortgage rates will produce a flash point in the housing market.

3. a critical situation or area having the potential of erupting in sudden violence.

   The Mideast has been the flash point for a series of conflicts.

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flash point British  

noun

1. the lowest temperature at which the vapour above a liquid can be ignited in air

2. a critical moment beyond which a situation will inevitably erupt into violence

   the political mood has reached flash point

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flash point Scientific  

1. The lowest temperature at which the vapor of a flammable liquid will ignite in air. The flash point is generally lower than the temperature needed for the liquid itself to ignite.

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flash point Cultural  

1. For a given flammable substance, the lowest temperature at which vapors passing from the substance into the air will catch fire spontaneously if a small flame is present.

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Etymology

Origin of flash point

First recorded in 1875–80

Compare meaning

How does flash-point compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• flash point vs. fire point

Example Sentences

The first flash point of an otherwise largely dull game came when a studs-up challenge from Uruguay defender Araujo on Foden early in the second half went unpunished.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

Along with airports in Houston and Atlanta, JFK has emerged as a flash point in the current disaster, with Reddit and other sites flooded with photos and anger.

From Slate • Mar. 26, 2026

The smallest of Gap’s brands continues to be a flash point for investors.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

Taxes can often represent a flash point between a government and its people.

From Salon • Jan. 21, 2026

The San Francisco Bay Area was a constant flash point for demonstrations and marches against the war.

From "Boots on the Ground: America's War in Vietnam" by Elizabeth Partridge

Related Words

• turning point