'culminate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'culminare', where 'culmen' meant 'summit' or 'top'.

'culminate' came into English from Late Latin/Medieval Latin 'culminare' (derived from Latin 'culmen') and was used in scientific and literary contexts before becoming general English 'culminate'.

Initially it meant 'to form or be at a summit (top)', but over time it evolved into its current sense of 'to reach the highest point or to end in a climax'.