noun
dead point; dead center
Technical term for the position in a reciprocating engine where the piston is at the end of its stroke and the connecting rod is in line with the crank, resulting in zero effective torque. Also used metaphorically for a standstill or impasse.
エンジンがデッドポイントを越えると、再び力が伝わる。
Once the engine passes the dead point, power is transmitted again.
交渉はデッドポイントに達し、進展が見られなくなった。
The negotiations reached a dead point and no progress was seen.
Loanword from English 'dead point', referring to the mechanical dead center position.