1.Definition: at or of a point at which a property or phenomenon suffers an abrupt change especially having enough mass to sustain a chain reaction

"A critical temperature of water is 100 degrees C--its boiling point at standard atmospheric pressure", "Critical mass", "Go critical"

2.Definition: being in or verging on a state of crisis or emergency

"A critical shortage of food", "A critical illness", "An illness at the critical stage"

3.Definition: characterized by careful evaluation and judgment

"A critical reading", "A critical dissertation", "A critical analysis of Melville's writings"

4.Definition: forming or having the nature of a turning point or crisis

"A critical point in the campaign", "The critical test"

Related Adjective(s):decisive

5.Definition: marked by a tendency to find and call attention to errors and flaws

"A critical attitude"

6.Definition: of or involving or characteristic of critics or criticism

"Critical acclaim"

7.Definition: urgently needed; absolutely necessary

"A critical element of the plan", "Critical medical supplies"

Related Adjective(s):vital