ramification

noun

ram·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌra-mə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

a

: branch, offshoot

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

Are there ramifications for Meta overdoing it on political content if its censorship is equally applied across the political spectrum? —Byandrew Nusca, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2024

Many Israelis who still view their country as secular, liberal, and democratic see the struggle against the extreme right as existential, with ramifications for every level of governance and Israel’s foreign relations. —Mairav Zonszein, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2024

The reputational damage, legal ramifications, and lost trust can take years to recover from—if recovery is even possible. —Emil Sayegh, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024

Truist said the ramifications would be most notable for the stock valuations of Leonardo DRS and Moog , both of which are buy-rated. —Brian Evans, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Kids Definition

ramification

noun

ram·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌram-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

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 

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