critˈicizer or critˈiciser noun

critical angle noun

The smallest possible angle of incidence at which a light ray is totally reflected

critical apparatus same as apparatus criticus (see apparatus).

critical coupling noun (elec eng)

The coupling giving maximum energy transfer between two circuits or systems tuned to the same frequency

critical damping noun (physics)

The minimum amount of damping that results in an oscillatory electric circuit or mechanical system sufficient to prevent free oscillation

criticality accident noun (nuclear eng)

The accidental attainment of a critical mass of fissile material by eg the drying out of a solution containing uranium-235

critical mass noun (nuclear eng)

The minimum amount of fissile material needed to sustain a chain reaction

critical path analysis noun

The working out with the aid of a computer the sequence of operations that must be followed in order to complete a complex piece of work in the minimum time

critical philosophy noun

That of Kant which is based on a critical examination of the foundations of knowledge

critical point or critical state noun

The point when a substance is between its gaseous and liquid states

critical temperature noun

That temperature above which a gas cannot be liquefied by pressure alone

higher criticism

Scholarly investigation into general questions surrounding the Bible, such as authorship and date

lower criticism

Scholarly investigation concerning specific textual passages in the Bible