summation

sum·ma·tion | \ (ˌ)sə-ˈmā-shən

How to pronounce summation (audio)

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Definition of summation

1 : the act or process of forming a sum : addition

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

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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 His words are the perfect summation of the vibe at Chanel for Spring, where the rooftops of Paris were created under the soaring vaulted glass ceiling of the Grand Palais. — Vogue, "Raising the Roof at Chanel: A Story in Pictures," 1 Oct. 2019 So take this summation of his headline-making missives with the proper grain of salt. — Conor Orr, SI.com, "Odell Beckham Jr.'s GQ Interview: The Good and the Bad," 23 July 2019 The summation was that Hamza was welcomed as a guest; and viewed as a victim to U.S. policies. — Fox News, "Hamza bin Laden 'Al Qaeda's most charismatic figure', death would be 'big brand hit for extremists'," 2 Aug. 2019 The summation of the sound: Just wait until the Iron Bowl, Gus! — Joseph Goodman | Jgoodman@al.com, al, "Gus Malzahn, thanks for the laughs," 11 Sep. 2019 The 2006 season was an apt summation of Brown’s Bears career. — Will Larkin, chicagotribune.com, "Ranking the 100 best Bears players ever: No. 58, Mike Brown," 9 July 2019 One example stands out amongst many from last season as a perfect summation of what the Brazilian has brought to Liverpool. — SI.com, "Alisson: Why Liverpool & Brazil Wall Deserves to Be the First Keeper to Win Ballon d'Or in 56 Years," 8 Sep. 2019 In Tuesday’s nine innings could be seen a painful summation of the Padres nosedive in 2019. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Orioles come back to take one from Padres," 30 July 2019 In confronting the looming horror of the Civil War, many Americans found a fuller summation of their hopes and fears in Spiritualism than in something more sober. — Ed Simon, The New Republic, "Marianne Williamson’s Spiritualism Has Deep, Liberal Roots," 7 Aug. 2019

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.

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Dictionary Entries near summation

summary proceeding

Statistics for summation

Last Updated

21 Nov 2019

Cite this Entry

“Summation.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/summation. Accessed 21 November 2019.

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More Definitions for summation

summation

noun

English Language Learners Definition of summation

formal : a brief description of the most important information about something

US, law : a final speech made by a lawyer in a court of law to give a summary of the main arguments in a case

See the full definition for summation in the English Language Learners Dictionary

summation

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

summation

sum·ma·tion | \ sə-ˈmā-shən

\

Legal Definition of summation

: closing argument

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