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critical angle

Short definition from Wiktionary

Noun

  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. 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.
  3. The angle beyond which a ramp or a set of stairs is considered uncomfortable or unsafe.

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