Word of the Day, November 4: ‘Climacteric’

Word of the Day: CLIMACTERIC

Pronunciation: kly-MAK-tuh-rik
UK /klaɪˈmæk.tər.ɪk/
US /klaɪˈmæk.tər.ɪk/

Meaning

Climacteric can be used as both a noun and an adjective. As a noun, it refers to a critical period or turning point in life. As an adjective, it means critical or crucial, especially when describing an event or stage that marks an important change.

Examples in everyday sentences

• Turning 40 was a climacteric moment in her life, prompting her to reconsider her priorities.
• The final match proved to be a climacteric event in the team's history.
• Menopause is associated with the female climacteric, a period of important hormonal and physical changes.
• The election marked a climacteric point in the country's political history.

Origin and history

Climacteric entered English in the early 17th century, with its roots in the Latin ‘clīmactēricus’ and the Greek ‘klimaktērikos’. These words come from ‘klimaktēr’, meaning a rung of a ladder or a critical point in life.

The ladder image is central to the word's history. Ancient beliefs held that certain ages, particularly years that were multiples of seven or nine, were especially significant or dangerous turning points in a person's life. The 63rd year was sometimes called the grand climacteric.

Over time, the word came to refer more broadly to important stages of change. In 19th-century medical usage, it was also used specifically in connection with menopause.

Also Read: Word of the Day, November 3: ‘Borborygmus’ 

Cultural significance and modern usage

Today, climacteric is most often encountered in medical writing, particularly in discussions of menopause and reproductive ageing. 

In general writing, the word can describe a decisive moment or a major transition in someone's life. 

Interesting facts

The expression grand climacteric was historically used for the 63rd year of life, which was believed to be a particularly significant age.

The word shares its Greek root with climax, which also comes from klimax, meaning ladder.

Bananas, mangoes, apples, pears and tomatoes are examples of climacteric fruits.

Examples from literature

• “But I must set down the events of the last week-end and tell of the wonderful climacteric that I have passed through.”— Windyridge by W. Riley
• “If turning fifty entitled us to first place in the queue, if turning fifty gave us the right to sit down, the physical discomforts of the climacteric would be a small price to pay.”— The Change: Women, Ageing and the Menopause by Germaine Greer

Synonyms

• Turning point
• Milestone
• Critical period
• Pivotal moment
• Crucial stage

Antonyms

• Routine
• Continuity
• Stability
• Uneventfulness

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