First Known Use: 1647
Dictionary
culminate
verb cul·mi·nate \ˈkəl-mə-ˌnāt\
: to reach the end or the final result of something
: to be the end or final result of (something)
cul·mi·nat·edcul·mi·nat·ing
Full Definition of CULMINATE
intransitive verb
1
of a celestial body : to reach its highest altitude; also : to be directly overhead
2
a : to rise to or form a summit b : to reach the highest or a climactic or decisive point
transitive verb
: to bring to a head or to the highest point
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Origin of CULMINATE
Medieval Latin culminatus, past participle of culminare, from Late Latin, to crown, from Latin culmin-, culmen top — more at hill
Rhymes with CULMINATE
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CULMINATED Defined for Kids
culminate
verb cul·mi·nate \ˈkəl-mə-ˌnāt\
cul·mi·nat·edcul·mi·nat·ing
Definition of CULMINATE for Kids
: to reach the end or the final result of <Her campaign culminated with a victory.>
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