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

• sum
• 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

Throughout the prosecution's four-hour summation, Combs kept his head bowed, sometimes scribbling notes to his lawyers and occasionally turning to the jury with a dour look. —Marco Della Cava, USA Today, 3 July 2025

The defense spent four hours the next day presenting their summation, followed by the prosecution rebuttal. —Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 2 July 2025

In her nearly five-hour summation Thursday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik struck a much more serious tone. —Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 27 June 2025

Due to the change in schedule, Judge Arun Subramanian is expected to hold a charging conference Wednesday (June 25) followed by summations on Thursday (June 26). —Jessica Bennett, VIBE.com, 23 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1760, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing summation

• spatial summation
• temporal summation

Rhymes for summation

• ablation
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation
• collation

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