Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun The temperature at which the vapor from the free surface of an illuminating-oil contained in an open vessel, when ignited by contact with a flame, will continue to burn: distinguished from the flashing-point which is the temperature at which the first momentary ignition becomes possible.

Etymologies

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Examples

  • If events spread themselves out fanwise from the past into the future, then must the occurrences of the present exhibit convergence toward some historical burning-point, -- some focal centre whereat the potential was warmed into the kinetic.

    The Darrow Enigma Melvin Linwood Severy

  • Every ounce of resentment in his nature had been focused to the burning-point.

    Garrison's Finish : a romance of the race course 1924

  • Indeed her anger at the whole species called "cowpuncher" now focused to a burning-point on him of the gilded spurs.

    Alcatraz Max Brand 1918

  • His talent lay in first drawing out the various views of the readers, and then of harmonizing them, -- even as the lens draws all rays to a burning-point, making fire where before was only scattered heat.

    Charles Carleton Coffin War Correspondent, Traveller, Author, and Statesman William Elliot Griffis 1885

  • For the first two days that was all that could be ascertained -- just enough to whet curiosity to burning-point.

    A Terrible Secret May Agnes Fleming 1860

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