summation

play

noun sum·ma·tion \ (ˌ)sə-ˈmā-shən \

Definition of summation

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

play \-shnəl, -shə-nᵊl\ adjective

See summation defined for English-language learners

See summation defined for kids

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 of summation from the Web

Lorraine is, in many ways, the summation of Theron's fearless career of characters, finally given the proper platform to exist.

— jake kring-schreifels, Esquire, "Charlize Theron Has Been Kicking Ass and Taking Names Her Entire Career," 27 July 2017
The movie nods in the direction of interspecies solidarity, but in Reeves’ sardonic summation, nothing in the life of men becomes us like the leaving it.

— gary thompson, Philly.com, "Look Who's Talking: 'War for the Planet of the Apes' wraps epic trilogy," 12 July 2017
A modest proposal Here’s Ryan Hunter-Reay summation of the weekend at Iowa: Great track.

— jim ayello, Indianapolis Star, "IndyCar Insider: Giving the old man his due and other takeaways from Iowa," 10 July 2017
The moment offered an apt summation of Moustakas’ year.

— rustin dodd, kansascity.com, "Danny Duffy returns, Mike Moustakas homers again in 7-3 win over Mariners," 4 July 2017
The moment was an apt summation of Perez’s talents.

— rustin dodd, kansascity, "Salvador Perez takes his aggression out on Tigers in Royals’ 8-2 victory," 28 June 2017
But bigger than just the summation of the details inside, tiny homes — and the tiny-home lifestyle — aren’t always what people imagine.

— brooke morton, Orlando Signature, "Tiny House Movement in Central Florida," 23 June 2017
Allison cites the Greek scholar’s summation of why the two powers fought: ‘

— james hohmann, Washington Post, "The Daily 202: Democrats despondent, Trump emboldened after GOP victory in Georgia special election," 21 June 2017
NORRISTOWN, Pa. — Jurors began deliberating the fate of Bill Cosby on Monday evening after his lawyers presented a defense that lasted all of five minutes and both sides delivered hard-hitting summations.

— hannah rappleye, NBC News, "Bill Cosby Trial: Jury Gets Case After Fiery Summations," 12 June 2017

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

First Known Use of summation

1760

summation Synonyms

Synonyms

aggregate, full, sum, whole, sum total, total, totality

Related Words

gross; completeness, comprehensiveness, cumulativeness, entirety; bulk, lion's share, mass; enchilada, schmear

Near Antonyms

net

Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms

abscissa, denominator, divisor, equilateral, exponent, hypotenuse, logarithm, oblique, radii, rhomb

SUMMATION Defined for English Language Learners

summation

play

noun

Definition of summation for English Language Learners

: a brief description of the most important information about something
law : a final speech made by a lawyer in a court of law to give a summary of the main arguments in a case

Medical Dictionary

summation

play

noun sum·ma·tion \ (ˌ)sə-ˈmā-shən \

medical Definition of summation

: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