Definition of: critical

(krit′i·kəl) adjective
1. Of, pertaining to, or characteristic of a critic or criticism.
2. Disposed to judge or discriminate with care and precision.
3. Given to severe judgment; faultfinding; carping.
4. Based upon principles or methods of criticism; analytical.
5. Of doubtful result; risky; perilous.
6. Contributing to a decisive judgment: critical evidence.
7. Pathol. Pertaining to a crisis in the course of a disease.
8. Math. Relating to the coalescence of different values.
9. Physics Designating a constant value or point indicating a decisive change in a specified condition, as temperature, pressure, speed, etc.
10. Necessary for the prosecution of a war: said of any material for which there is no substitute and of which there is an insufficient supply. See synonyms under CAPTIOUS, MINUTE.
—crit′i·cal·ly adverb
—crit·i·cal·ness noun