Chemistry Definitions

noun a point at which a situation becomes very bad or very good

adjective having crucial importance or relevance

• In mathematics, a critical point is a point on a curve where the derivative is either zero or undefined.
• When you're graphing a function, look for the critical points to find where the function might have a maximum or minimum.
• Dude, that's the critical point where everything went wrong in our plan.
• Reaching a critical point in a relationship can either make it stronger or lead to a breakup.

noun an obstruction or blockage

verb to obstruct or block

• The dentist explained how the food particles can occlude the small spaces between teeth.
• Make sure to brush your teeth properly to prevent any food from occluding your teeth.
• I hate when popcorn kernels occlude my teeth!
• His stubbornness occludes him from seeing the truth.

noun a curved path followed by a celestial object or spacecraft around a star, planet, or moon

adjective relating to or resembling an orbit or orbits

• The satellite was placed into a stable orbital around the Earth.
• The spaceship is cruising in the orbital path.
• Let's take a joyride in the orbital zone.
• Her thoughts were in a constant orbital around the idea of success.

verb to make or become stiff or rigid

• The metal rods are designed to stiffen the structure and prevent any bending.
• If you don't want the cake to collapse, you need to let it cool and stiffen before adding the frosting.
• I could feel my muscles stiffen up after that intense workout.
• His resolve only seemed to stiffen in the face of adversity.