Cul"mi*nate (k?l"m?-n?t), v. i. [imp. & p.p. Culminated (-n?`t?d); p. pr. & vb. n. Culminating (-n`tng.] [L. cuimen top or ridge. See Column.]

1.

To reach its highest point of altitude; to come to the meridian; to be vertical or directly overhead.

As when his beams at noon Culminate from the equator. Milton.

2.

To reach the highest point, as of rank, size, power, numbers, etc.

The reptile race culminated in the secondary era. Dana.

The house of Burgundy was rapidly culminating. Motley.

© Webster 1913.

Cul"mi*nate (k?l"m?-n?t), a.

Growing upward, as distinguished from a laterral growth; -- applied to the growth of corals.

Dana.

© Webster 1913.