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 of summation

• 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

So, that’s a summation of something that used to be a fun day. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026

This may feel a bit too much of a pat summation, especially with the better song preceding it. — David Harris, SPIN, 29 June 2026

Clark and White, however, pushed back on the notion that this particular argument was a fair summation of their bond. — James Boyd, New York Times, 2 June 2026

In addition, the news organization insists its statements are true in the sense that, even if some details are inaccurate, the gist or overall summation of the reporting was right. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 2 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1760, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing summation

• spatial summation
• temporal summation

Rhymes for summation

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

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