point at which something is ready to blow up
"The sudden rumor of layoffs became a flashpoint that nearly tore the company apart."
a place of political unrest and potential violence
"the United States cannot police all of the world's hot spots"
the lowest temperature at which the vapor of a combustible liquid can be ignited in air
"The safety inspector determined that leaving gasoline in direct sunlight was dangerous because its flashpoint could easily be reached during midday heat."
The lowest temperature at which a liquid can form an ignitable mixture in air near the surface of the liquid.
"The safety officer warned that pouring gasoline into the drum could lower its flashpoint below ambient temperatures, creating a severe fire hazard."