What term describes the minimum temperature at which a liquid can ignite?

The term that describes the minimum temperature at which a liquid can ignite is the flash point. This temperature signifies the moment when the liquid produces enough vapor to form an ignitable mixture with air. At the flash point, although the liquid may not necessarily catch fire, it has the potential to do so if an ignition source is introduced.

Understanding flash point is crucial for safety and handling of flammable liquids, particularly in various industries. The flash point is used to help classify the material's hazards and determine safe handling practices. It’s important to differentiate this term from others like boiling point, which refers to the temperature at which a liquid turns into vapor under atmospheric pressure, and melting point, which indicates the temperature at which a solid becomes a liquid. Ignition point is a less common term that may refer to the temperature at which a substance will sustain combustion, but it is not as precisely defined as flash point, making it less applicable in this context.