noun
In thermodynamics, the temperature and pressure at which the liquid and gas phases of a substance become indistinguishable. Often used in scientific contexts.
水の臨界点は約374度、22.1メガパスカルです。
The critical point of water is about 374 degrees Celsius and 22.1 megapascals.
臨界 is the broader concept of 'criticality' or 'critical state', while 臨界点 specifically refers to the 'critical point' as a precise thermodynamic condition.
Compound of 臨界 (critical, from 臨 'face' and 界 'boundary') and 点 (point). The term is a direct translation of the English 'critical point' used in physics.