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 Implications For Boeing And The U.S. Aerospace Industry For Boeing and the larger American aerospace sector, the emergence of COMAC has major ramifications. —Jim Osman, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024

The recurring dispute over how well exit polling captures Latino voters — the groups and pollsters have raised it in previous elections — has ramifications for nonprofit groups that have focused on improving Latino voter turnout. —Suzanne Gamboa, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024

Strong party performance at the top of the ticket, which Michigan Republicans enjoyed Tuesday in awarding the state's electoral votes to former President Donald Trump, often has ramifications in down-ballot races. —Paul Egan, Detroit Free Press, 8 Nov. 2024

Congressional races are also front of mind for investors, as a clean sweep for either party in Washington could have ramifications for tax and trade policy and new spending plans. —Darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 4 Nov. 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