Culminate \Cul"mi*nate\ (k[u^]l"m[i^]*n[=a]t), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Culminated (-n[=a]`t[eucr]d); p. pr. & vb. n. Culminating (-n[=a]`t[i^]ng.]

[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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)