The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Culmination \Cul"mi*na"tion\ (k[u^]l`m?-n?"sh?n), n. [Cf.
   F.culmination]
   1. The attainment of the highest point of altitude reached by
      a heavenly body; passage across the meridian; transit.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. Attainment or arrival at the highest pitch of glory,
      power, etc.
      [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

culmination
    n 1: a final climactic stage; "their achievements stand as a
         culmination of centuries of development" [syn: apogee,
         culmination]
    2: (astronomy) a heavenly body's highest celestial point above
       an observer's horizon
    3: the decisive moment in a novel or play; "the deathbed scene
       is the climax of the play" [syn: climax, culmination]
    4: a concluding action [syn: completion, culmination,
       closing, windup, mop up]