subclimax
/ˈsʌbˌklaɪmæks/
noun
- In ecology, a community of plants and animals that is stable but has not reached the final, mature stage (climax) of ecological succession.
- Ecologists studied the subclimax forest to understand how it might change over time.
- The grassland is a subclimax maintained by periodic fires.
- Without human interference, this subclimax would eventually become a mature woodland.
- A point in a story, event, or process that is less intense than the main climax but still significant.
- The movie's subclimax came when the hero found the hidden map.
- Each chapter builds toward a subclimax that leads to the book's thrilling ending.
- The negotiation reached a subclimax with a temporary agreement before the final deal.