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

Last night’s 78th Annual Tony Awards featured some wonderful musical performances, a nice summation of the 2024-2025 Broadway season. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 9 June 2025

For the documentary, Springsteen offered the most laudatory summation of Jeffreys’ talents. —Jim Farber, Rolling Stone, 5 June 2025

Ever the wry observer of modern life, Didion could fashion arch vignettes out of therapy summations. —Evelyn McDonnell 5, Literary Hub, 5 June 2025

In summation, the stakes remain pretty high for the wider energy market and that of both nations, but Pakistan appears to be in a particularly vulnerable position. Follow me on Twitter. —Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1760, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing summation

• spatial summation
• temporal summation

Rhymes for summation

• ablation
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation
• collation

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