- the lowest temperature at which the vapour above a liquid can be ignited in air
- a critical moment beyond which a situation will inevitably erupt into violence
Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::
flashpoint /ˈflæʃpɔɪnt/, flashing point n
ˈflash ˌpoint or ˈflashˌpoint, n. [countable]
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- Chemistrythe lowest temperature at which a liquid will give off sufficient vapor to ignite when a flame is applied to it.
- a point at which a situation can flare up:at a flashpoint in the budget crisis.
flash′ point′,
- ChemistryAlso, flashing point. [Physical Chem.]the lowest temperature at which a liquid in a specified apparatus will give off sufficient vapor to ignite momentarily on application of a flame.
- 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.
- 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.Also, flash′point′.
- 1875–80