(nuclear physics) The point at which the prompt neutrons produced by a nuclear fission chain reaction are just sufficient to sustain the chain reaction on their own (the state of being prompt critical); past this point, changes in reaction power are controlled by changes in the prompt neutron flux, and occur on a timeframe of milliseconds, too rapidly to be controlled by mechanical means.

(nuclear physics) The point at which the prompt neutrons and delayed neutrons produced by a nuclear fission chain reaction, taken together, are just sufficient to sustain the chain reaction (the state of being delayed critical); in this state, changes in reaction power occur slowly, allowing the reaction to be controlled on human timescales, due to the relatively long time delay associated with the emission of the delayed neutrons necessary to maintain the chain reaction.

plural of delayed criticality

(nuclear physics) Of the point where the prompt neutrons produced by a nuclear fission chain reaction are just sufficient to sustain the chain reaction on their own, past which changes in reaction power occur on a timeframe of milliseconds, too rapidly for a human operator to control.

(nuclear physics) Of the point at which the prompt neutrons and delayed neutrons produced by a nuclear fission chain reaction, taken together, are just sufficient to sustain the chain reaction, where changes in reaction power occur slowly.

plural of prompt criticality

Critically examining the role of gender in a text, a person's experiences, etc. / (UK, neologism) Espousing, characteristic of, or relating to gender-critical feminism.

A Kantian approach to philosophy, in which the primary purpose is not to establish and demonstrate theories about reality, but rather to subject all theories to critical review.

(insurance) Insurance that pays out a lump sum benefit on the diagnosis of a serious (life-threatening) illness in the life assured within the term of the policy, and nothing on death or healthy survival to the end of the term.

(informal) A person who holds gender-critical beliefs.