Until detonation is desired, a nuclear weapon must consist of a number of separate pieces, each below the critical size either because they are too small or unfavorably shaped. To produce detonation, the fissile material must be brought together rapidly.
See also Nuclear weapon design.
The term is also used figuratively, meaning something like "be sufficient to work properly", especially when a sufficiently large amount is needed to cause growth.
For the car-free environment event, see Critical Mass.
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