simulation

noun

sim·u·la·tion | \ˌsim-yə-ˈlā-shən

Definition of simulation

1 : the act or process of simulating

2 : a sham object : counterfeit

3a : the imitative representation of the functioning of one system or process by means of the functioning of another a computer simulation of an industrial process

b : examination of a problem often not subject to direct experimentation by means of a simulating device

Examples of simulation in a Sentence

a computer simulation of spaceflight a simulation of the planet's surface They use computer simulation to predict weather conditions.

Recent Examples on the Web

The 80 scientists who put together the report, published in Nature, compiled their results by measuring ice loss in 24 different ways that relied on satellites, computer simulations, and measurements taken on the ground. — Adam K. Raymond, Daily Intelligencer, "Antarctica Is Melting Three Times Faster Than a Decade Ago," 13 June 2018 Through presentations, guest speakers and simulations, Poole teaches life skills to middle school and high school participants. — Chapel Fowler, charlotteobserver, "Former Panther Tyrone Poole says you're like a spider. That can help you hang tough.," 30 May 2018 So, what did those 10,000 simulations and 18 analysts conclude about the likely winner of the World Cup? — Fortune, "UBS Predicts 2018 World Cup Winner After 10,000 Simulations," 17 May 2018 Created by a design lab within the University of Chicago’s Center for Interdisciplinary Inquiry and Innovation (Ci3), which Gilliam founded, the game falls somewhere between crisis simulation and educational programming. — Rachel Stone, The New Republic, "A Video Game That Wants to Stop Sexual Harassment," 15 May 2018 Under this agreement, Uber will provide NASA with its plans for implementing the cutting-edge ride-share network and NASA will use computer modeling and simulations to determine the impact of this kind of aircraft. — Alex Stuckey, San Antonio Express-News, "NASA to test Uber’s air-taxi concept in Dallas," 10 May 2018 The next step is to think of even more mission simulations and potential failures to work through. — David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, "NASA Tests Mini-Nuclear Reactors for Moon and Mars," 3 May 2018 The picture books, political simulations and local dialogue forums created there inspired RCAH students and faculty to build similar peace and reconciliation projects in the Lansing area with refugee youth and youth in the criminal justice system. — Valerie Strauss, Washington Post, "Can liberal education survive at a scandal-plagued university? A professor explains why it must.," 1 May 2018 The economic group Florida High Tech Corridor estimates that more than 30,000 people in the region work for modeling, simulation and training companies. — Marco Santana, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Kratos expands workforce, footprint in Orlando," 1 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'simulation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Statistics for simulation

Last Updated

17 Oct 2018

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Time Traveler for simulation

The first known use of simulation was in the 14th century

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More Definitions for simulation

simulation

noun

English Language Learners Definition of simulation

: something that is made to look, feel, or behave like something else especially so that it can be studied or used to train people

See the full definition for simulation in the English Language Learners Dictionary

simulation

noun

sim·u·la·tion | \ˌsim-yə-ˈlā-shən

Legal Definition of simulation

in the civil law of Louisiana

1 : the act of simulating

2 : a contract that by mutual agreement does not express the true intent of the parties — see also counterletter — compare disguised donation at donation

Note: Although a simulation does not have effect as between the parties, its lack of effect may not be asserted against third parties, such as creditors or bona fide purchasers, to avoid liability.