from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Culminate \Cul"mi*nate\ (k[u^]l"m[i^]*n[=a]t), v. i. [imp. & p.
p. {Culminated} (-n[=a]`t[e^]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.
[1913 Webster]
As when his beams at noon
Culminate from the equator. --Milton.
[1913 Webster]
2. To reach the highest point, as of rank, size, power,
numbers, etc.
[1913 Webster]
The reptile race culminated in the secondary era.
--Dana.
[1913 Webster]
The house of Burgundy was rapidly culminating.
--Motley.
[1913 Webster]