induction

noun

in·​duc·​tion in-ˈdək-shən 

1

a

: the act or process of inducting (as into office)

b

: the formality by which a civilian is inducted into military service

c

: an initial experience : initiation

2

a(1)

: inference of a generalized conclusion from particular instances compare deduction sense 2a

(2)

: a conclusion arrived at by induction

b

: mathematical demonstration of the validity of a law concerning all the positive integers by proving that it holds for the integer 1 and that if it holds for an arbitrarily chosen positive integer k, it must hold for the integer k + 1

called also mathematical induction

3

a

: the process by which an electrical conductor becomes electrified when near a charged body, by which a magnetizable body becomes magnetized when in a magnetic field or in the magnetic flux set up by a magnetomotive force, or by which an electromotive force is produced in a circuit by varying the magnetic field linked with the circuit

b

: the inspiration of the fuel-air charge from the carburetor into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine

c

: the process by which the fate of embryonic cells is determined (as by the action of adjacent cells) and morphogenetic differentiation brought about

4

a

: the act of bringing forward or adducing something (such as facts or particulars)

b

: the act of causing or bringing on or about

5

: a preface, prologue, or introductory scene especially of an early English play

Synonyms

• baptism
• inaugural
• inauguration
• initiation
• installation
• installment
• instalment
• investiture
• investment

Examples of induction in a Sentence

Many people attended the bishop's induction.

The induction ceremony was held at a banquet hall.

the registration and induction of draftees

Recent Examples on the Web

For Foreigner, the induction ceremony is an opportunity for the survivors of the classic lineup to play together again. —Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 21 Apr. 2024

The icons will officially be anointed as rock ‘n’ roll royalty on Oct. 19, when the 39th annual induction ceremony takes place at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio. —Mesfin Fekadu, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Apr. 2024

More than 150 people attended the 90-minute induction ceremony Saturday morning at the Joan Kroc Center on University Avenue in San Diego. —Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2024

The Love & Hip-Hop creator told Variety that Elliott’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was the impetus for the upcoming tour. —Okla Jones, Essence, 8 Apr. 2024

The whole thing should sting your brain with the cumulative sadism of a middle school talent show, a GOP campaign event and a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. —Chris Richards, Washington Post, 30 Mar. 2024

The induction ceremony is scheduled to take place in July, according to the press release. —Adrienne Davis, Journal Sentinel, 23 Mar. 2024

Washington, who also was a finalist last year, was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2004, but induction into the Naismith Hall of Fame will have to wait. —Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 6 Apr. 2024

The induction is bestowed on individuals who are viewed as pioneers in their respective fields and whose influence shaped their profession. —Jonathan Landrum Jr., USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing induction

• induction coil
• induction heating
• induction motor
• mathematical induction
• pre-induction
• self-induction

Kids Definition

induction

noun

in·​duc·​tion in-ˈdək-shən 

1

a

: the act or process of inducting (as into office)

b

: a first experience of something : initiation

c

: the procedure by which a civilian is inducted into military service

2

: reasoning from particular examples to a general conclusion

3

a

: the act of causing or bringing on or about

b

: the process of producing an electrical or magnetic effect through the influence of a nearby magnet, electric current, or electrically charged body

Medical Definition

induction

noun

in·​duc·​tion in-ˈdək-shən 

1

: the act of causing or bringing on or about

induction of labor

specifically : the establishment of the initial state of anesthesia often with an agent other than that used subsequently to maintain the anesthetic state

2

: the process by which an electrical conductor becomes electrified when near a charged body, by which a magnetizable body becomes magnetized when in a magnetic field or in the magnetic flux set up by a magnetomotive force, or by which an electromotive force is produced in a circuit by varying the magnetic field linked with the circuit

3

a

: arousal of a part or area (as of the retina) by stimulation of an adjacent part or area

b

: the process by which the fate of embryonic cells is determined (as by the action of adjacent cells) and morphogenetic differentiation brought about

induct

in-ˈdəkt 

transitive verb