v. i. [ imp. & p. p. Culminated p. pr. & vb. n. Culminating (-nā`t&ibreve_;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 ]

a. Growing upward, as distinguished from a lateral growth; -- applied to the growth of corals. Dana. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F.culmination ] 1. The attainment of the highest point of altitude reached by a heavenly body; passage across the meridian; transit. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Attainment or arrival at the highest pitch of glory, power, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Culminating, or coming to the meredian, at or about the same time with the moon; -- said of a star or stars, esp. of certain stars selected beforehand, and named in an ephemeris (as the Nautical Almanac), as suitable to be observed in connection with the moon at culmination, for determining terrestrial longitude. [ 1913 Webster ]