summit

summit [sum′it]

n.

[ME sommete < OFr, dim. of som, summit < L summum, highest part < summus, highest: see SUM]

1. the highest point, part, or elevation; top or apex

2. the highest degree or state; acme

3.

☆ a) the highest level of officials; specif., in connection with diplomatic negotiations, the level restricted to heads of government [a meeting at the summit]

b) a conference at the summit

adj.

☆ of the heads of government [a summit parley]

SYN.- SUMMIT literally refers to the topmost point of a hill or similar elevation and, figuratively, to the highest attainable level, as of achievement; PEAK² refers to the highest of a number of high points, as in a mountain range or, figuratively, in a graph; CLIMAX applies to the highest point, as in interest, force, excitement, etc., in a scale of ascending values; ACME refers to the highest possible point of perfection in the development or progress of something; APEX suggests the highest point (literally, of a geometric figure such as a cone; figuratively, of a career, process, etc.) where all ascending lines, courses, etc. ultimately meet; PINNACLE, in its figurative uses, is equivalent to SUMMIT or PEAK¹, but sometimes connotes a giddy or unsteady height; ZENITH literally refers to the highest point in the heavens and hence figuratively suggests fame or success reached by a spectacular rise