flash point

• Température à laquelle une substance volatile peut s'enflammer au contact d'une flamme ; également utilisé métaphoriquement pour décrire le point critique où une situation peut dégénérer en conflit ou en violence.

The temperature at which a volatile substance can ignite when exposed to a flame; also used metaphorically to describe a critical point where a situation may escalate into conflict or violence.

1. Temperature of ignitionC1formal

   The lowest temperature at which a volatile substance can vaporize to form an ignitable mixture in air.

   point d'éclair

   • The flash point of gasoline is very low, making it highly flammable.
   • Safety regulations require storing chemicals below their flash point.
   • The technician measured the flash point of the new solvent.

2. Critical or explosive situationB2informal

   A point or stage at which a situation becomes highly tense or likely to erupt into conflict.

   point d'ébullition

   • The political debate reached a flash point when accusations were made.
   • Tensions in the region have reached a flash point.
   • The argument was a flash point for their long-standing rivalry.