CLIMACTERIC


Meaning of CLIMACTERIC in English

I. klī-ˈmak-t(ə-)rik; ˌklī-ˌmak-ˈter-ik, -ˈtir- adjective

Etymology: Latin climactericus, from Greek klimaktērikos, from klimaktēr critical point, literally, rung of a ladder, from klimak-, klimax ladder

Date: 1582

1. : constituting or relating to a climacteric

2. : critical , crucial

II. noun

Date: circa 1630

1. : a major turning point or critical stage

2.

a. : menopause

b. : a period in the life of a male corresponding to female menopause and usually occurring with less well-defined physiological and psychological changes

3. : the marked and sudden rise in the respiratory rate of fruit just prior to full ripening

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.