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

While Army and Navy are happy to accept the ramifications of their unique situation, the decision permanently removes a potential contender from their schedule. —Matt Weyrich, Baltimore Sun, 13 Dec. 2024

Republicans, Democrats, and police officers disagreed over the precise ramifications of the change in the law, but efforts to remove the provision failed. —Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 10 Dec. 2024

Murray took responsibility for the decision not to have the Post cover this latest development about its leadership, despite the ramifications for the paper. —David Folkenflik, NPR, 9 Dec. 2024

Lila’s disastrous experience with the Agony nearly took her life, but the ramifications of her encounter with Dorotea turns out not to be limited to her. —Scott Tobias, Vulture, 8 Dec. 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