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

However, the new Cabinet — and in particular, the country’s new Chancellor Rachel Reeves — are inheriting a host of financial problems, propelled by an unsteady economy following Brexit, the Ukraine-Russia war and lingering ramifications of the pandemic. —Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 July 2024

That’s about $208 million, a figure the Knicks must avoid to chase a championship now without facing roster-building ramifications later. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 15 July 2024

Of course, that hasn’t stopped many hobbyists from producing gin, vodka, or even whiskey at home in very small batches, but the potential legal ramifications are pretty serious. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 15 July 2024

Even so, the role of startups in the proliferation of new medications—and all the potential ramifications—have not gone unnoticed. —Will Daniel, Fortune, 10 July 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