critical (redirected from critically)

critical /crit·i·cal/ (krit´i-k'l)

1. pertaining to or of the nature of a crisis.

2. pertaining to a disease or other morbid condition in which there is danger of death.

3. in sufficient quantity as to constitute a turning point, as a critical mass.

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crit·i·cal (krt-kl)

adj.

1. Of or relating to a medical crisis.

2. Being or relating to a grave physical condition especially of a patient.

3. Of or relating to the value of a measurement, such as temperature, at which an abrupt change in a chemical of physical quality, property, or state occurs.

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critical

1. a point at which one property or state changes to another property or state.

2. pertaining to a crisis in a disease.

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critical care

care of a patient in a life-threatening situation of an illness. Includes artificial life support system.

critical care unit

see intensive care unit.

embryological critical period

the period during the life of the embryo, specific for each body system, during which organ genesis takes place.

critical distance

see flight distance.

critical point drying

the technique used in preparing tissues for electron microscopy; to eliminate distortion due to surface tension.

critical temperature

the body temperature above which the animal is said to be fevered. See body temperature.