| v. i. | 1. | To reach its highest point of altitude; to come to the meridian; to be vertical or directly overhead. |
| 2. | To reach the highest point, as of rank, size, power, numbers, etc. | |
| a. | 1. | Growing upward, as distinguished from a lateral growth; - applied to the growth of corals. |
| Verb | 1. | culminate - end, especially to reach a final or climactic stage; "The meeting culminated in a tearful embrace" Synonyms: climax |
| 2. | culminate - bring to a head or to the highest point; "Seurat culminated pointillism" | |
| 3. | culminate - reach the highest or most decisive point | |
| 4. | culminate - of a celestial body: reach its highest altitude or the meridian | |
| 5. | culminate - rise to, or form, a summit; "The helmet culminated in a crest" |