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

Of course this flow of funds out of Japan and into the dollar has clear and meaningful ramifications for the yen. —Steven Desmyter, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

However, the case could have significant ramifications for how states consider race in drawing congressional districts to comply with the Voting Rights Act. —Kaelan Deese, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 4 Nov. 2024

The term may make the mistakes seem almost innocuous, but in some applications, even a minuscule error rate can have severe ramifications. —Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2024

Despite the possible ramifications of Musk’s plan to cut spending, O’Leary said the Tesla CEO has achieved what no other man on Earth has in building his successful companies and deserves no disrespect. —Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 31 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