In simple hard sphere collision theory the distance of closest approach that would result for two particles in a collision if the particle trajectories were undeflected by the collision.
Sources:
Green Book, 2nd ed., p. 56 (https://goldbook.iupac.org/files/pdf/green_book_2ed.pdf)
PAC, 1991, 63, 1541. 'Recommendations for nomenclature and symbolism for mass spectroscopy (including an appendix of terms used in vacuum technology). (Recommendations 1991)' on page 1555 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199163101541)
PAC, 1996, 68, 149. 'A glossary of terms used in chemical kinetics, including reaction dynamics (IUPAC Recommendations 1996)' on page 168 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199668010149)