The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Culminate \Cul"mi*nate\ (k[u^]l"m[i^]*n[=a]t), v. i. [imp. & p.
   p. Culminated (-n[=a]`t[e^]d); p. pr. & vb. n.
   Culminating (-n[=a]`t[i^]ng.] [L. cuimen top or ridge. See
   Column.]
   1. To reach its highest point of altitude; to come to the
      meridian; to be vertical or directly overhead.
      [1913 Webster]

            As when his beams at noon
            Culminate from the equator.           --Milton.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. To reach the highest point, as of rank, size, power,
      numbers, etc.
      [1913 Webster]

            The reptile race culminated in the secondary era.
                                                  --Dana.
      [1913 Webster]

            The house of Burgundy was rapidly culminating.
                                                  --Motley.
      [1913 Webster]