v. cul·mi·nat·ed, cul·mi·nat·ing, cul·mi·nates v.intr. 1. a. To reach the highest point or degree; climax: habitual antagonism that culminated in open hostility. b. To come to completion; end: Years of waiting culminated in a tearful reunion. 2. Astronomy To reach the highest point above an observer's horizon. Used of stars and other celestial bodies. v.tr. To bring to the point of greatest intensity or to completion; climax: The ceremony culminated a long week of preparation. [Late Latin culmināre, culmināt-, from Latin culmen, culmin-, summit; see kel-2 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] cul′mi·nation n. |
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