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