culmination

Etymology

Borrowed from French culmination, from culminer, or from Medieval Latin culminatus + -tion. Morphologically culminate + -ion

noun

1. (astronomy) The attainment of the highest point of altitude reached by a heavenly body; passage across the meridian; transit.
2. (UK) Endpoint (usually good) arrived at after some series of actions or events, or some period , usually after the series or period has ended. The sum of something.
3. (US) Attainment or arrival at the highest pitch of glory, power, etc.
4. (US) A ceremony marking the completion of studies at an elementary school, middle school or junior high school, the term "graduation" being reserved for high school.