Part 666

6. [See Crisis.] Pertaining to, or indicating, a crisis, turning point, or specially important juncture; important as regards consequences; hence, of doubtful issue; attended with risk; dangerous; as, the critical stage of a fever; a critical situation.

Our circumstances are indeed critical. Burke.

The small moment, the exact point, the critical minute, on which every good work so much depends. South.

Critical angle (Optics), that angle of incidence of a luminous ray at which it is wholly reflected, and no portion of it transmitted. The sine of this angle is the reciprocal of the refractive index of the medium. -- Critical philosophy, the metaphysical system of Kant; -- so called from his most important work, the "Critique of Pure Reason." -- Critical point (Physics), a certain temperature, different for different gases, but always the same for each gas, regarded as the limit above which no amount of pressure can produce condensation to a liquid.

Crit"ic*al*ly, adv. 1. In a critical manner; with nice discernment; accurately; exactly.

Critically to discern good writers from bad. Dryden.

2. At a crisis; at a critical time; in a situation, place, or condition of decisive consequence; as, a fortification critically situated.

Coming critically the night before the session. Bp. Burnet.

Crit"ic*al*ness, n. 1. The state or quality of being critical, or of occurring at a critical time.

2. Accuracy in examination or decision; exactness.

Crit"ic*as`ter (kr&ibreve;t"&ibreve;k*ăs`t&til;r), n. A contemptible or vicious critic.

The rancorous and reptile crew of poeticules, who decompose into criticasters. Swinburne.

Crit"i*cis`a*ble (kr&ibreve;t"&ibreve;*sīz`&adot;*b'l), a. Capable of being criticised.

Crit"i*cise (kr?t"?-s?z), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Criticised (-s?zd); p. pr. & vb. n. Criticising.] [Written also, more analogically, but less commonly, criticize.] [Cf. G. kritisiren. See Critic.] 1. To examine and judge as a critic; to pass literary or artistic judgment upon; as, to criticise an author; to criticise a picture.

2. To express one's views as to the merit or demerit of; esp., to animadvert upon; to find fault with; as, to criticise conduct. Blackwood's Mag.

Crit"i*cise, v. i. 1. To act as a critic; to pass literary or artistic judgment; to play the critic; -- formerly used with on or upon.

Several of these ladies, indeed, criticised upon the form of the association. Addison.

2. To discuss the merits or demerits of a thing or person; esp., to find fault.

Cavil you may, but never criticise. Pope.

Crit"i*ci`ser (-s?`z?r), n. One who criticises; a critic.

Crit"i*cism (kr?t"?-s?z'm), n. 1. The rules and principles which regulate the practice of the critic; the art of judging with knowledge and propriety of the beauties and faults of a literary performance, or of a production in the fine arts; as, dramatic criticism.

The elements ofcriticism depend on the two principles of Beauty and Truth, one of which is the final end or object of study in every one of its pursuits: Beauty, in letters and the arts; Truth, in history and sciences. Brande & C.

By criticism, as it was first instituted by Aristotle, was meant a standard of judging well. Dryden.

2. The act of criticising; a critical judgment passed or expressed; a critical observation or detailed examination and review; a critique; animadversion; censure.

About the plan of "Rasselas" little was said by the critics; and yet the faults of the plan might seem to invite severe criticism. Macaulay.

Cri*tique" (kr&ibreve;*tēk"), n. [F. critique, f., fr. Gr. kritikh` (sc. te`chnh) the critical art, from kritiko`s. See Critic.]

1. The art of criticism. [Written also critic.] [R.]

2. A critical examination or estimate of a work of literature or art; a critical dissertation or essay; a careful and thorough analysis of any subject; a criticism; as, Kant's "Critique of Pure Reason."