simulation

noun

sim·​u·​la·​tion ˌsim-yə-ˈlā-shən 

1

: the act or process of simulating

2

: a sham object : counterfeit

3

a

: the imitative representation of the functioning of one system or process by means of the functioning of another

a computer simulation of an industrial process

b

: examination of a problem often not subject to direct experimentation by means of a simulating device

Examples of simulation in a Sentence

a computer simulation of spaceflight

a simulation of the planet's surface

They use computer simulation to predict weather conditions.

Recent Examples on the Web

What To Know Using advanced climate simulations, the research team explored how future atmospheric rivers will interact with oceanic conditions such as surface temperatures and water mixing. —Gord Magill, Newsweek, 21 Dec. 2024

As Shutdown Nears More Of North Korea’s Giant Howitzers Roll Into Russia What Pavia’s Win Means (And Doesn’t) For The NCAA And JUCO Transfers From Vision To Reality Shell is pushing the boundaries of AI beyond simulations into practical applications. —Bernard Marr, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024

This includes fur simulation, a massive flood, an elephant stampede, and immersive world-building covering much of the African continent. —Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 20 Dec. 2024

In addition, many scientists who have created simulations of planetary formation suggest that a collision huge enough to create the moon was unlikely to happen a quarter-billion years after the origin of the solar system. —Charles Q. Choi, Space.com, 18 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English simulacioun "insincerity, pretense, deceit," borrowed from Anglo-French simulacion, borrowed from Latin simulātiōn-, simulātiō "act of copying, putting on an appearance, pretense," from simulāre, similāre "to pretend, assume the appearance of by one's conduct, produce a fraudulent imitation of, imitate" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at simulate

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

simulation

noun

sim·​u·​la·​tion ˌsim-yə-ˈlā-shən 

1

: the act or process of simulating

2

: an object that is not genuine

3

: the imitation by one system or process of the way in which another system or process works

a computer simulation of spaceflight

Legal Definition

simulation

noun

sim·​u·​la·​tion ˌsim-yə-ˈlā-shən 

1

in the civil law of Louisiana

2

: the act of simulating

3

: a contract that by mutual agreement does not express the true intent of the parties see also counterletter compare disguised donation at donation

Note: Although a simulation does not have effect as between the parties, its lack of effect may not be asserted against third parties, such as creditors or bona fide purchasers, to avoid liability.