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

If the group ultimately chooses to increase production, there’s a hitch: The cartel’s internal simulations suggest the global crude market could experience a glut if producers relax their current curbs on production too quickly. ... — Summer Said, WSJ, "OPEC Considers Two Scenarios to Adjust Oil Production," 18 May 2019 Under this agreement, Uber will provide NASA with its plans for a cutting edge ride-share network and NASA will use computer modeling and simulations to determine the effects this kind of aircraft would have on a city. — Alex Stuckey, Houston Chronicle, "NASA to run simulations on Uber's 'flying-car' concept in Dallas," 8 May 2018 American model simulation of atmospheric moisture (precipitable water) showing atmospheric river pointed at central California on Friday night. — Matthew Cappucci, Washington Post, "‘Potent’ atmospheric river to bombard central California on Friday and Saturday," 5 Apr. 2018 These simulations point toward a Neanderthal–Denisovan ancestor. — David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, "AI Predicts Humans Have an Ancestor We Don't Even Know About Yet," 17 Jan. 2019 North Korea barely said a word about the drills during the computer simulation exercises that took place through April. — Anna Fifield, Washington Post, "North Korea threatens to cancel summit with Trump over military drills," 15 May 2018 North Korea barely said a word about the drills during the computer simulation exercises that took place through April. — Anna Fifield, Anchorage Daily News, "North Korea threatens to cancel summit with Trump over military drills," 15 May 2018 North Korea barely said a word about the drills during the computer simulation exercises that took place through April. — The Washington Post, cleveland.com, "North Korea threatens to cancel summit with Trump over military drills," 15 May 2018 The simulations aim to help train health-care workers to be more empathetic and improve difficult conversations with patients suffering from a wide range of conditions including... — Aili Mcconnon, WSJ, "Virtual Simulations Offer a Cure to Doctors’ Poor Bedside Manner," 1 Apr. 2019

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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Last Updated

13 Jun 2019

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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.