flashpoint

See also: flash point

English

Alternative forms

flash point

Etymology

flash +‎ point

Noun

flashpoint (plural flashpoints)

  1. The lowest temperature at which a liquid can form an ignitable mixture in air near the surface of the liquid.
  2. (figuratively) A hotspot; a dangerous place of violent political unrest
  3. A time and place when violence or conflict suddenly arises.
    • 2017 March 14, Stuart James, “Leicester stun Sevilla to reach last eight after Kasper Schmeichel save”, in the Guardian‎:
      Chances came and went at both ends before the flashpoint involving Vardy and Nasri, who took an age to leave the pitch after Daniele Orsato, the Italian referee, brandished a red card.

Synonyms

Translations
lowest temperature at which a liquid can form an ignitable mixture — see flash point
figuratively; a hotspot — see flash point

References
  • Joe Miller (24 January 2018), “Davos jargon: A crime against the English language?”, in BBC News‎, BBC
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