climax
noun
cli·max
| \ ˈklī-ˌmaks
\
\
Definition of climax
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: a figure of speech in which a series of phrases or sentences is arranged in ascending order of rhetorical forcefulness
2a
: 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)
At the novel's climax, the main character finds herself face to face with the thief.
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
the tropical rain forest is a climatic climax — P. W. Richards