\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.

\Cul"mi*nate\ (k[u^]l"m[i^]*n[asl]t), a.
Growing upward, as distinguished from a lateral growth; --
applied to the growth of corals. --Dana.