Question of the Day #424

"House Democrats near 'tipping point' on impeachment as Pelosi faces crucial week"
From the headline of this article at CNN.

上記の文で、tipping pointの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "tipping point" mean?

答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

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解答

意味：
英辞郎によると、


〔重大な変化が起きる〕転換点、転機

Answer

According to Merriam-Webster:

the critical point in a situation, process, or system beyond which a significant and often unstoppable effect or change takes place

Etymology/語源

Merriam-Websterによると、

初めて使用されたのが、1959年。

According to Merriam-Webster:

First Known Use of tipping point:
1959

Examples

• There are two prevailing theories for what might happen past the Amazon’s tipping point. — Max Fisher, New York Times, "‘It’s Really Close’: How the Amazon Rainforest Could Self-Destruct," 30 Aug. 2019
• These tipping points have been instrumental in having action going forward, but the key isn’t crisis management. — Vince Guerrieri, Popular Mechanics, "Smoke on the Water: 50 Years After the Cuyahoga Fire," 20 June 2019
• The earth has already passed the tipping point in terms of global warming.
• What is becoming clear is that the global economy is at a tipping point. - Times, Sunday Times (2008)
• The hotel industry stands at the tipping point of something remarkable, he says. - Times, Sunday Times (2010)