culminantadj.n.
/ˈkʌlmɪnənt/ A. adj.
1. Of a heavenly body: That has reached its greatest altitude, that is on the meridian; hence figurative that is at its greatest height.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the universe > heavenly body > movement of heavenly bodies > [adjective] > rising > reaching meridian
culminant1605
the world > action or operation > prosperity > advancement or progress > [adjective] > having made progress or advanced > to highest point
peakedc1350
culminant1605
headeda1616
meridiana1657
climacteric1789
zenith1828
zenithal1891
climacterical1896
1605 W. Camden Remaines i. 175 The whole constellation of Ariadnes crowne, culminant in her nativitie.
1658 T. Willsford Natures Secrets 35 When any Star is upon the Meridian, it is said to be culminant; and..is then of most force to that place.
1684 Observator No. 129 In the very Lust and Vigour of the Phanatical Conspiracy, when Oates was Culminant.
a1834 S. T. Coleridge Lit. Remains (1836) II. 410 The superstition of the letter was then culminant.
1875 R. D. Blackmore Alice Lorraine I. vii. 41 A softer and more genial star was culminant one evening.
2. Reaching the greatest height, forming the summit or highest point, topmost.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > high position > [adjective] > in highest position
highestOE
umestOE
overesta1325
upperestc1374
overmosta1382
supremec1487
upmost1488
uppermostc1500
highermost1593
top1595
topmost1697
headmost1758
culminant1849
tip-topmost1937
1849 J. D. Dana U.S. Exploring Exped.: Geol. (1850) vii. 420 Islands are but the culminant peaks of mountains.
1854 J. D. Hooker Himalayan Jrnls. I. i. 22 The culminant rocks are very dry.
A culminant star (in quot. 1654 figurative). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > love > loved one > [noun] > state or condition of being a favourite > favourite or pet > of prince or superior
favourite1600
culminant1654
gracioso1663
1654 R. Whitlock Ζωοτομία 288 The..Culminant in a Princes favour, takes all the Honour from the Lord of his Ascending.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1893; most recently modified version published online September 2021).
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adj.n.1605