One entry found for critical.

Main Entry: crit·i·cal
Pronunciation: krit-i-kl
Function: adjective
1 a : inclined to criticize in an unfavorable way <you're always so critical> b : consisting of or involving criticism or the judgments of critics <critical writings> c : using or involving careful judgment <a critical examination of a patient>
2 a : of, relating to, or being a turning point <the critical phase of a fever>; also : being at a critical stage of illness <listed the patient as critical> b : being or relating to a state or point at which a definite change occurs <the critical temperature> c : CRUCIAL 1 <a critical test>
3 : INDISPENSABLE, VITAL <provides critical services>
4 : of big enough size to keep a chain reaction going -- used of a mass of material that can go through fission
- crit·i·cal·ly /-i-k(-)l/ adverb
- crit·i·cal·ness /-kl-ns/ noun

Pronunciation Symbols