noun
- The lowest temperature at which a liquid gives off vapor that ignites when exposed to a flame or spark.
- A place or situation where conflict, violence, or sudden trouble is likely to occur or has occurred.
Usage: technical; chemistry
Usage: figurative
Examples
- The flashpoint of gasoline is approximately -43°C.
- The Middle East has been a flashpoint for international tensions for decades.
- Disagreements over water rights became a flashpoint between the two nations.
- The city's downtown area was identified as a potential flashpoint during the protest.
- Understanding the flashpoint of different oils is important for industrial safety.
- The border region remains a flashpoint for military conflict.