What is another word for transition state?
Pronunciation: [tɹansˈɪʃən stˈe͡ɪt] (IPA) 
The term "transition state" refers to the intermediate stage between two different states that a system can be in. In chemistry, it refers specifically to the point during a chemical reaction where the reactants have reached their maximum potential energy and are on the verge of turning into products. Other synonyms for this term include activated complex, transition state intermediate, and reaction intermediate. The idea of a transition state is also used in physics, where it is called the 'unstable point' or the 'critical point.' Regardless of the field, the concept of a transition state is important as it allows scientists to better understand how systems change over time.
