critical

/ˈkɹɪtɪkəl/

noun

  1. 1

    A critical value, factor, etc.

  2. 2

    In breakdancing, a kind of airflare move in which the dancer hops from one hand to the other.

adjective

  1. 1

    Inclined to find fault or criticize

    A good teacher is fair but critical.
  2. 2

    Pertaining to, or indicating, a crisis or turning point.

    This is a critical moment.
  3. 3

    Extremely important.

    It's critical that you deliver this on time.
  4. 4

    Relating to criticism or careful analysis, such as literary or film criticism.

    The movie was a critical success, but bombed at the box-office.
  5. 5

    Of a patient condition involving unstable vital signs and a prognosis that predicts the condition could worsen; or, a patient condition that requires urgent treatment in an intensive care or critical care medical facility.

    The patient's condition is critical.
  6. 6

    Likely to go out of control if disturbed, that is, opposite of stable.

    The political situation was so critical that the government declared the state of siege.
  7. 7

    Of the point (in temperature, reagent concentration etc.) where a nuclear or chemical reaction becomes self-sustaining.

    The reaction was about to become critical.
  8. 8

    (physics) Of a temperature that is equal to the temperature of the critical point of a substance, i.e. the temperature above which the substance cannot be liquefied.

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