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

The ramifications on the access to and use of weapons by Russia and Iran by signing this treaty could affect numerous countries globally for generations to come. —John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 13 Jan. 2025

Still, the ramifications for those who lived and moved across the Utah territory during this time echo throughout American history. —Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 9 Jan. 2025

The social and economic ramifications are profound. —Francesco Iorio, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025

Specifically, given my interest in the microbiome, what are the ramifications for this bon vivant’s gut? —Betsy Andrews, Saveur, 9 Jan. 2025

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