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

• sum
• 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

Another one of those wonderful tasks that exemplifies the joys of Taskmaster, this early series-11 gem gives us not just a great task idea but a wonderful summation of how everyone in this particularly good series looks at the world. —Matthew Jackson, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2025

That summation could serve as a microcosm of their season as well. —Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Sep. 2025

This chart is a summation: That value gap is enormous. —Clem Chambers, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025

In summation, Minnesota dropped two rounds in the 2026 draft and one round in the ’27 draft in exchange for the homegrown, 35-year-old receiver. —Alec Lewis, New York Times, 27 Aug. 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