supercritical

• Bezeichnet den Zustand einer Substanz bei Temperaturen und Drücken oberhalb des kritischen Punktes, wo flüssige und gasförmige Phase nicht mehr unterscheidbar sind; auch metaphorisch für einen äußerst kritischen oder gefährlichen Zustand.

Describes a state of matter at a temperature and pressure above its critical point, where distinct liquid and gas phases do not exist; also used metaphorically to mean extremely critical or severe.

1. Nuclear chain reactionC2formalscientific

   Describes a state of fissionable material where the chain reaction accelerates, leading to an increasing rate of nuclear fission.

   Überkritisch

   • The reactor core became supercritical, requiring immediate control rod insertion.
   • In a supercritical state, the neutron population grows exponentially.
   • Engineers must prevent the assembly from reaching a supercritical configuration.

   Antonymecritical

2. Fluid stateC1formalscientific

   Relating to a substance at a temperature and pressure above its critical point, where distinct liquid and gas phases do not exist.

   überkritischer Zustand

   • Supercritical carbon dioxide is used as a solvent in industrial extraction processes.
   • The fluid in the chamber is maintained in a supercritical state for optimal efficiency.
   • Supercritical water can dissolve organic compounds that are normally insoluble.