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.
verb (used with object), culminated, culminating.
5.
to bring to a close; complete; climax:
A rock song culminates the performance.
Origin
1640-50; < Late Latinculminātus (past participle of culmināre to come to a peak), equivalent to Latinculmin- (stem of culmen) peak, top + -ātus-ate1
Related forms
nonculminating, adjective
Examples from the web for culminate
They culminate in two strikingly symmetrical clouds of swirling filaments.
Workshops culminate in a public concert featuring singers and participants.
British Dictionary definitions for culminate
culminate
/ˈkʌlmɪˌneɪt/
verb
1.
when intr, usually foll by in. to end or cause to end, esp to reach or bring to a final or climactic stage
2.
(intransitive) (of a celestial body) to cross the meridian of the observer
Word Origin
C17: from Late Latin culmināre to reach the highest point, from Latin culmen top
Word Origin and History for culminate
v.
1640s, from Late Latin culminatus past participle of culminare "to top, to crown," from Latin culmen (genitive culminis) "top, peak, summit, roof, gable," also used figuratively, contraction of columen (see column). Related: Culminated; culminating.