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-shnəl 

-shə-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

But here’s a look at a slightly softer, more intimate version of Maurice — one that is still able to get the point across, has the right tone for the moment and in a way provides a perfect summation of the team’s season to this point. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 6 June 2024

There’s a tape that both the defense and the prosecution played in summations in former President Donald Trump’s criminal trial. —Andrea Bernstein, ProPublica, 5 June 2024

Instead, the parties should be prepared to begin summations next Tuesday. —Graham Kates, CBS News, 20 May 2024

Written by Paul Laverty, Loach’s go-to screenwriter over the past quarter-century, The Old Oak feels like a summation of his filmography. —Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 19 Apr. 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