Wiktionary
n. (context mechanical engineering English) Temperature at which a grease passes from a semi-solid to liquid state under specific test conditions.
Wikipedia
The dropping point of a soap-thickened lubricating grease is the temperature at which it passes from a semi-solid to a liquid state under specific test conditions. It is an indication of the type of thickener used, and a measure of the cohesiveness of the oil and thickener of a grease.
Dropping point is used in combination with other testable properties to determine the suitability of greases for specific applications. It is applicable only to greases that contain soap thickeners. Greases with other thickeners, such as many synthetic greases, do not change state. Instead, they separate oil, and the dropping point as a phase transition does not apply.
Usage examples of "dropping point".
The muties were almost within clawing distance, and a spear sailed over Ryan's shoulder, dropping point first into the inclined terrain ahead of him.
In a day's time, the helicopter would return to the dropping point, but would not wait for him.
The vessel's remaining momentum had been spent in random brushes with the springy tops of high trees, modifying the landing and cutting a broad swath in the high foliage which marked the line of its progress to its final dropping point.
Toby himself drove him to a safe dropping point, then returned to the flat and held a curt meeting of farewell.