climax

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See also clímax

Contents

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

From Latin clīmax from Ancient Greek κλῖμαξ (klimaks), a ladder, a staircase, a climax in rhetoric) from κλίνω (klinō), I lean, slant).

[edit] Pronunciation

[edit] Noun

Singular
climax

Plural
climaxes

climax (plural climaxes)

  1. The point of greatest intensity or force in an ascending series; a culmination
    • 1949 - Bruce Kiskaddon, George R. Stewart Earth Abides
      The snowshoe-rabbits build up through the years until they reach a climax when the seem to be everywhere; then with dramatic suddenness their pestilence falls upon them.
  2. The turning point in a plot or dramatic action, especially one marking a change in the protagonist's affairs.
  3. A stage of ecological development where a community of organisms, is stable and capable of perpetuating itself.
  4. (slang) An orgasm.

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[edit] Derived terms

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[edit] Related terms

[edit] Verb

Infinitive
to climax

Third person singular
climaxes

Simple past
climaxed

Past participle
climaxed

Present participle
climaxing

to climax (third-person singular simple present climaxes, present participle climaxing, simple past and past participle climaxed)

  1. To reach or bring to a climax

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