Meaning of culminate


Pronunciation: (kul'mu-nāt"), [key]
— v., -nat•ed, -nat•ing.
  1. to reach the highest point, summit, or highest development (usually fol. by in).
  2. to end or arrive at a final stage (usually fol. by in): The argument culminated in a fistfight.
  3. to rise to or form an apex; terminate (usually fol. by in): The tower culminates in a tall spire.
  4. (of a celestial body) to be on the meridian, or reach the highest or the lowest altitude.
  1. to bring to a close; complete; climax: A rock song culminates the performance.
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