D defs.my
Entry 3 senses Webster, 1913

Climax

/klīʹ-măks/ · Cli·max · IPA /ˈklaɪ.mæks/
01 n. Upward movement; steady increase; gradation; ascent.
  1. 1.
    Upward movement; steady increase; gradation; ascent.
  2. 2.
    A figure in which the parts of a sentence or paragraph are so arranged that each succeeding one rises above its predecessor in impressiveness.(Rhet.)
    ““Tribulation worketh patience, patience experience, and experience hope” -- a happy climax.” — J. D. Forbes.
  3. 3.
    The highest point; the greatest degree.
    “We must look higher for the climax of earthly good.” I. Taylor.
Phrases & compounds
To cap the climax — to surpass everything, as in excellence or in absurdity.