Climax
Pronunciation : Cli"max
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [L., from Gr. Ladder, Lean, v. i.]
Definition : 1. Upward movement; steady increase; gradation; ascent. Glanvill.
2. (Rhet.)
Defn: A figure of which the parts of a sentence or paragraph are so arranged that each sicceeding one rise "Tribulation worketh patience, patience experience, and experience hope" -- a happy climax. J. D. Forbes.
3. The highest point; the greatest degree. We must look higher for the climax of earthly good. I. Taylor. To cap the climax, to surpass everything, as in excellence or in absurdity. [Colloq.]
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913