flashpoint
flashpoint Lexical Profile
flashpoint Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A critical point, place, or situation at which anger, tension, or disagreement suddenly erupts into open conflict.
"The proposed tuition increase quickly became a major flashpoint during the university board meeting."
The lowest temperature at which the vapor of a volatile liquid or combustible substance will ignite momentarily in the presence of a spark or open flame.
"Laboratory technicians must store solvents with a low flashpoint in specialized fireproof cabinets."
• Rhymes for flashpoint
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the late 19th century as a compound of 'flash' and 'point' to describe the ignition temperature of volatile fuels in chemistry and engineering, before acquiring its figurative sense of a political or social crisis point in the mid-20th century.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.