culminate

American  

[kuhl-muh-neyt] / ˈkʌl məˌneɪt /

verb (used without object)

culminated, culminating

1. to reach the highest point, summit, or highest development (usually followed by in ).

2. to end or arrive at a final stage (usually followed by in ).

   The argument culminated in a fistfight.

3. to rise to or form an apex; terminate (usually followed by in ).

   The tower culminates in a tall spire.

4. Astronomy. (of a celestial body) to be on the meridian, or reach the highest or the lowest altitude.

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verb (used with object)

culminated, culminating

1. to bring to a close; complete; climax.

   The president's signature on this bill culminates an eight-year campaign for legislation to help individuals and families finance their long-term disability needs.

culminate British  

/ ˈkʌlmɪˌneɪt /

verb

1. to end or cause to end, esp to reach or bring to a final or climactic stage

2. (intr) (of a celestial body) to cross the meridian of the observer

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Etymology

Origin of culminate

First recorded in 1640–50; from Late Latin culminātus (past participle of culmināre to come to a peak), equivalent to Latin culmin- (stem of culmen ) “peak, top” + -ātus -ate ¹

Related Words

• cap
• climax
• conclude
• end up
• round off
• terminate
• wind up