summation

noun

sum·​ma·​tion (ˌ)sə-ˈmā-shən 

1

: the act or process of forming a sum : addition

2

: sum, total

3

: cumulative action or effect

especially : the process by which a sequence of stimuli that are individually inadequate to produce a response are cumulatively able to induce a nerve impulse

4

: a final part of an argument reviewing points made and expressing conclusions

summational

(ˌ)sə-ˈmā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• aggregate
• full
• sum
• sum total
• total
• totality
• whole

Examples of summation in a Sentence

A summation can be found at the end of the report.

We gave a summation of our discovery.

The defense attorneys and prosecutors are set to make their final summations today.

Recent Examples on the Web

Here's a brief summation for the benefit of those who may not have kept up with the more recent seasons. —Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 7 July 2024

Just to make up an example, suppose the lawyer was paid $50 an hour for jury selection and $200 an hour to prepare a final summation of your case to the jury. —John C. Goodman, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024

Instead of digging in, Murphy and Brennan lean on the cycles of abuse to account for everything — a valid reason to be sure, but one that’s just kind of tossed in, like a lazy summation by a prosecutor bored with their own case. —Ben Travers, IndieWire, 20 Sep. 2024

That’s not an entirely inaccurate summation of how people behaved. —Michael Schulman, The New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1760, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing summation

• spatial summation
• temporal summation

Kids Definition

summation

noun

sum·​ma·​tion (ˌ)sə-ˈmā-shən 

1

: the act or process of forming a sum : addition

2

: sum entry 1 sense 2, total

3

: a final part of an argument reviewing points made and expressing conclusions

Medical Definition

summation

noun

sum·​ma·​tion (ˌ)sə-ˈmā-shən 

: cumulative action or effect

especially : the process by which a sequence of stimuli that are individually inadequate to produce a response are cumulatively able to induce a nerve impulse see spatial summation, temporal summation

Legal Definition

summation

noun

sum·​ma·​tion sə-ˈmā-shən 

: closing argument