Dictionary

1climax

noun cli·max \ˈklī-ˌmaks\

: the most exciting and important part of a story, play, or movie that occurs usually at or near the end

: the most interesting and exciting part of something : the high point

: the most intense point of sexual pleasure

Full Definition of CLIMAX

1
:  a figure of speech in which a series of phrases or sentences is arranged in ascending order of rhetorical forcefulness
2
a :  the highest point :  culmination <the climax of a distinguished career>
b :  the point of highest dramatic tension or a major turning point in the action (as of a play)
c :  orgasm
d :  menopause
3
:  a relatively stable ecological stage or community especially of plants that is achieved through successful adaptation to an environment; especially :  the final stage in ecological succession
cli·max·less adjective
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Origin of CLIMAX

Late Latin, from Greek klimax, literally, ladder, from klinein to lean
First Known Use: circa 1550

Synonym Discussion of CLIMAX

summit, peak, pinnacle, climax, apex, acme, culmination mean the highest point attained or attainable. summit implies the topmost level attainable <at the summit of the Victorian social scene>. peak suggests the highest among other high points <an artist working at the peak of her powers>. pinnacle suggests a dizzying and often insecure height <the pinnacle of worldly success>. climax implies the highest point in an ascending series <the war was the climax to a series of hostile actions>. apex implies the point where all ascending lines converge <the apex of Dutch culture>. acme implies a level of quality representing the perfection of a thing <a statue that was once deemed the acme of beauty>. culmination suggests the outcome of a growth or development representing an attained objective <the culmination of years of effort>.

Other Performing Arts Terms

diva, dramaturgy, loge, prestidigitation, proscenium, supernumerary, zany

2climax

verb

: to reach the most exciting or important part in something

: to occur at the end as the most exciting or important part of (something)

: to have an orgasm

Full Definition of CLIMAX

transitive verb
:  to bring to a climax <climaxed his boxing career with a knockout>
intransitive verb
:  to come to a climax <a riot climaxing in the destruction of several houses>

First Known Use of CLIMAX

1835
CLIMAX Defined for Kids

climax

noun cli·max \ˈklī-ˌmaks\

Definition of CLIMAX for Kids

:  the most interesting, exciting, or important time or part of something <a story's climax>
Medical Dictionary

climax

noun cli·max \ˈklī-ˌmaks\

Medical Definition of CLIMAX

1
:  the highest or most intense point
2
:  orgasm
3
a :  menopause 1a(2) b :  andropause

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