Critical angle

noun

noun ·Rare ·Advanced level

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    The angle of incidence beyond which light traveling through a medium experiences total internal reflection upon encountering a boundary with a less refractive medium.
  2. 2
    the smallest angle of incidence for which light is totally reflected wordnet
  3. 3
    The angle of attack beyond which an airfoil stalls, experiencing a decrease in lift and increase in drag due to separation of airflow from the upper surface of the airfoil.
  4. 4
    The angle beyond which a ramp or a set of stairs is considered uncomfortable or unsafe.