First Known Use: circa 1550
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
See climax defined for English-language learners
See climax defined for kids
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Origin of CLIMAX
Late Latin, from Greek klimax, literally, ladder, from klinein to lean
Related to CLIMAX
- Synonyms
- climacteric, turning point, corner, landmark, milepost, milestone, watershed
- Antonyms
- bottom, nadir, rock bottom
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
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>
See climax defined for English-language learners
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
Learn More About CLIMAX
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