summation

noun

sum·​ma·​tion (ˌ)sə-ˈmā-shən 

1

: the act or process of forming a sum : addition

2

: sum, total

3

: cumulative action or effect

especially : the process by which a sequence of stimuli that are individually inadequate to produce a response are cumulatively able to induce a nerve impulse

4

: a final part of an argument reviewing points made and expressing conclusions

summational

(ˌ)sə-ˈmā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• aggregate
• full
• sum
• sum total
• total
• totality
• whole

Examples of summation in a Sentence

A summation can be found at the end of the report.

We gave a summation of our discovery.

The defense attorneys and prosecutors are set to make their final summations today.

Recent Examples on the Web

That’s not an entirely inaccurate summation of how people behaved. —Michael Schulman, The New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2024

There is also an unreported portion of Pecker’s direct testimony that is a harbinger of what the DA will almost certainly argue in summation to undermine one of Trump’s key defenses advanced in the opening statement of his principal lawyer Todd Blanche. —Nick Akerman, New York Daily News, 5 May 2024

Somewhere behind Pinewood Derby trophies, baby shoes, and Easter decorations, the summation of a man’s impact sat flattened in a plastic holder. —Clare French, Hartford Courant, 16 Mar. 2024

The prosecution wrapped up their summation earlier in the day. —Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 9 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1760, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing summation

• spatial summation
• temporal summation

Kids Definition

summation

noun

sum·​ma·​tion (ˌ)sə-ˈmā-shən 

1

: the act or process of forming a sum : addition

2

: sum entry 1 sense 2, total

3

: a final part of an argument reviewing points made and expressing conclusions

Medical Definition

summation

noun

sum·​ma·​tion (ˌ)sə-ˈmā-shən 

: cumulative action or effect

especially : the process by which a sequence of stimuli that are individually inadequate to produce a response are cumulatively able to induce a nerve impulse see spatial summation, temporal summation

Legal Definition

summation

noun

sum·​ma·​tion sə-ˈmā-shən 

: closing argument