climax

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Noun 1.3.1 Synonyms 1.3.2 Derived terms 1.3.3 Translations 1.3.4 Related terms 1.4 Verb 1.4.1 External links

[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

• enPR: klīʹ-măks IPA: /ˈklaɪmæks/, SAMPA: /"klaIm{ks/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}

[edit] Noun

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.

[edit] Synonyms

• See also Wikisaurus:apex

[edit] Derived terms

• climax community

[edit] Translations

[edit] Related terms

• acclimatize
• climactic
• climate

[edit] Verb

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

[edit] External links

• climax in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
• climax in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911