Dictionary
critical mass
noun
: an amount of material (such as plutonium) that is large enough to allow a nuclear reaction to occur
: the size, number, or amount of something that is needed to cause a particular result
Full Definition of CRITICAL MASS
: a size, number, or amount large enough to produce a particular result <the critical mass of activity needed for a retail store>
See critical mass defined for English-language learners
ADVERTISEMENT
First Known Use of CRITICAL MASS
1919
Rhymes with CRITICAL MASS
Learn More About CRITICAL MASS
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: critical pathPrevious Word in the Dictionary: critical idealismAll Words Near: critical mass
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up critical mass? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).