critical point

noun

: a point on the graph of a function where the derivative is zero or infinite

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The Bruins boast their own blue-chip freshman big man facing a critical point in his first collegiate season. Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2023 One species, for example, resisted daptomycin by cracking the drug apart at a critical point. Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 13 Apr. 2012 In his remarks, the president said that for all the progress the United States has made, the country had now reached a critical point in its history. Aamer Madhani, Anchorage Daily News, 16 Jan. 2023 Not as damaging as, at a critical point in the third quarter, the loss to injury of quarterback Cam Rising. Gordon Monson, The Salt Lake Tribune, 2 Jan. 2023 In his remarks, the president said that for all the progress the United States has made, the country had now reached a critical point in its history. Aamer Madhani, ajc, 15 Jan. 2023 In his remarks, the president said that for all the progress the United States has made, the country had now reached a critical point in its history. CBS News, 15 Jan. 2023 Now nursing leaders and advocates are saying the problem of not addressing nurses’ mental health needs has again reached a critical point. Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 22 Aug. 2021 This is a critical point in the season for the Cowboys’ offensive line. Dallas News, 13 Dec. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'critical point.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of critical point was in 1848

Dictionary Entries Near critical point

Cite this Entry

“Critical point.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/critical%20point. Accessed 24 Mar. 2023.

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