ramify

verb

ram·i·fy | \ ˈra-mə-ˌfī

ramified; ramifying

Definition of ramify

intransitive verb

1 : to split up into branches or constituent parts

2 : to send forth branches or extensions

transitive verb

1 : to cause to branch

2 : to separate into divisions

Synonyms & Antonyms How Ramify Branched Off Latin Example Sentences Learn More about ramify

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How Ramify Branched Off Latin

Ramify has been part of English since the 15th century and is an offshoot of the Latin word for "branch," which is "ramus." English acquired several scientific words from "ramus," including "biramous" ("having two branches"). Another English word derived from "ramus" is the now obsolete ramage, meaning "untamed" or "wild." "Ramage" originated in falconry-it was initially used of young hawks that had begun to fly from branch to branch in trees. "Ramify" started out as a scientific word, at first referring to branching parts of plants and trees and later to veins and nerves, but it soon branched out into non-scientific and even figurative uses, as in "ideas that ramify throughout society."