simulation

noun

sim·​u·​la·​tion ˌsim-yə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce simulation (audio)
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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
These aggregators take polling data and run simulations of an election some 10,000 times to predict its likely outcome. Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 31 Oct. 2024 According to FiveThirtyEight's most recent simulation, Harris' largest victory margin is 493 Electoral College votes to Trump's 45. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024 In addition, organizations should regularly test and update the DRP through tabletops, simulations and drills. Kim Bozzella, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 This is on vivid display in the chart below, which takes all the simulations from our model and buckets them by popular vote outcome. G. Elliott Morris, ABC News, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for simulation 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of simulation was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near simulation

Cite this Entry

“Simulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/simulation. Accessed 12 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

simulation

noun
sim·​u·​la·​tion ˌsim-yə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce simulation (audio)
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 How to pronounce simulation (audio)
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.

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