ramification

noun

ram·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌra-mə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce ramification (audio)
1
b
: a branched structure
2
a
: the act or process of branching
b
: arrangement of branches (as on a plant)
3
: consequence, outgrowth
the ramifications of the decision

Examples of ramification in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Leaders of the University of California, the nation’s top higher education recipient of federal research funding, are raising questions and voicing concerns about the ramifications of a temporary Trump administration pause on research grant reviews announced this week. Teresa Watanabe, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2025 After grappling with the ramifications behind her hot flashes, night sweats and decreased libido, the soon-to-be-chef sees menopause not as an end, but as a time for a second act—and thereby goes on to revolutionize home cooking. Jennifer Vineyard, Flow Space, 24 Jan. 2025 Fogelman is clearly—sometimes too clearly—thinking about the acceleration of climate change, the ramifications of politicians putting themselves before their constituents, and the outsize influence of billionaires on our leaders. Judy Berman, TIME, 24 Jan. 2025 Given the ramifications of acquiring Pettersson’s $11.6 million cap hit, Carolina would need to send out some salary to stay under the cap since Necas costs $6.5 million. Cory Lavalette, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for ramification 

Word History

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of ramification was in 1578

Dictionary Entries Near ramification

Cite this Entry

“Ramification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ramification. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

ramification

noun
ram·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌram-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce ramification (audio)
1
: the act or process of branching
2
: outgrowth sense 1
the ramifications of the decision

Medical Definition

ramification

noun
ram·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌram-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce ramification (audio)
1
: the act or process of branching
specifically : the mode of arrangement of branches
2
: a branch or offshoot from a main stock or channel
the ramification of an artery
also : the resulting branched structure
make visible the whole ramification of the dendrite
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