critical state

American  

[krit-i-kuhl steyt] / ˈkrɪt ɪ kəl ˈsteɪt /

noun

Physics.

1. the state of a pure element or compound when it is at a critical point.

   critical states of superconductor multilayers.

---

critical state British  

noun

1. Also called: critical point.  the state of a substance in which two of its phases have the same temperature, pressure, and volume

---

critical state Scientific  

1. The state of matter of a substance at its critical point.

---

Etymology

Origin of critical state

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

He said "pretty much all our indicators are in a critical state", including calls to emergency medical services, calls to the fire brigade, ER admissions, and deaths, he told local TV.

From Barron's • Jun. 25, 2026

After two years of war, its hospitals have been left in a critical state.

From BBC • Oct. 25, 2025

Watching performers like Stan and Moore talk about the critical state of cinema and its changing guard was a major get for anyone who loves entertainment already.

From Salon • Jan. 6, 2025

In Arizona, another critical state, the stakes have never felt higher for Mohyeddin Abdulaziz, a Palestinian American lawyer and the co-founder of the Arizona Palestine Solidarity Alliance.

From Slate • Oct. 30, 2024

And one of the mainstays of Franklin’s printing business was the publication of Indian treaties, viewed then as critical state documents.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann