culminate: Meaning and Definition of

cul•mi•nate

1. to reach the highest point, summit, or highest development (usually fol. by in).
2. to end or arrive at a final stage (usually fol. by in): The argument culminated in a fistfight.
3. to rise to or form an apex; terminate (usually fol. by in): The tower culminates in a tall spire.
4. (of a celestial body) to be on the meridian, or reach the highest or the lowest altitude.

1. to bring to a close; complete; climax: A rock song culminates the performance.