[cli.mac.ter.ic] adj [L climactericus, fr. Gk klimakterikos, fr. klimakter critical point, lit., rung of a ladder, fr. klimak-, klimax ladder] (1582) 1: constituting or relating to a climacteric
2: critical, crucial
[2]climacteric n (ca. 1630) 1: a major turning point or critical stage
2: menopause; also: a corresponding period in the male usu. 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