Flashpoints

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A place or situation where tension suddenly turns into open conflict or violence ; the lowest temperature at which a flammable liquid produces vapor capable of igniting in air
2. A location or circumstance where disagreement quickly escalates into confrontation or crisis ; the minimum heat required for a liquid to release ignitable vapors
3. A geographical or social focal point where disputes abruptly explode into active hostility ; the temperature threshold below which a volatile liquid cannot sustain combustion

Etymology: In its original technical sense, a flashpoint is the lowest temperature at which a liquid gives off enough vapour to ignite briefly when exposed to a flame. The word is a compound of "flash," a sudden burst of flame or light, and "point," a specific place or degree on a scale. Chemists were measuring this temperature long before the term was used for anything else. The figurative sense, a place or situation where conflict suddenly erupts, grew out of that image of something that catches fire the moment it reaches a critical heat. "Flashpoints" is simply the plural, with the "-s" added to count several such places or moments.

Synonyms: flashpoint