culmination
UK: ˌkʌlmɪˈneɪʃən | US: ˌkʌlmɪˈneɪʃən
n. the highest point or final stage of something, especially after gradual development
n. (astronomy) the moment when a celestial object reaches its highest point in the sky
culmin<peak> + ation<noun suffix>
- culmin (from Latin culmen "peak, summit")
- ation (a suffix forming nouns indicating an action or process)
Etymology Origin:
The word "culmination" traces back to the Latin culmen, meaning "peak" or "summit." It entered English via French culmination, retaining its core sense of reaching the highest point. Originally used in astronomy to describe a celestial body's zenith, it later broadened metaphorically to signify the climax or final stage of any process. The suffix -ation standardizes it as a noun denoting the result of an action.
The concert was the culmination of months of hard work by the musicians.
The team's victory marked the culmination of a perfect season.
In astronomy, culmination refers to a star's highest point in the night sky.
Her promotion was the culmination of years of dedication to the company.
The treaty represented the culmination of lengthy diplomatic negotiations.