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  • Word comparison: flash point vs. fire point

flash point vs. fire point

flash point

noun

  1. Also Physical Chemistry. the lowest temperature at which a liquid in a specified apparatus will give off sufficient vapor to ignite momentarily on application of a flame.
  2. 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.

  3. 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.

fire point

noun

Chemistry.
  1. the lowest temperature at which a volatile liquid, after its vapors have been ignited, will give off vapors at a rate sufficient to sustain combustion.