summation

noun

sum·ma·tion | \(ˌ)sə-ˈmā-shən

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

The game was a summation of Mathias’ four years at Purdue. — Gregg Doyel, Indianapolis Star, "Doyel: Purdue's seniors changed everything and still didn't get a nickname," 25 Feb. 2018 Together the messages are the perfect summation of all that the Knotty Pine is. — Devra First, BostonGlobe.com, "Why the club sandwich may just be the perfect American food," 11 June 2018 Yet there Miranda was, staring at the camera and giving a completely honest summation of her greatest romantic worry. — refinery29.com, "Sex And The City Might Be Dated, But It’ll Never Get Old," 6 June 2018 On a wall of her room back in Grants Pass, Deshae has slapped up a slew of Post-It notes, and written on a red one next to a cup of pens—amidst the Bible verses and reminders to herself—is a simple summation of her life so far. — Jeremy Fuchs, SI.com, "Life After Escaping the World of Human Trafficking," 10 May 2018 When the alternates were released, after summations, three stayed to wait for a verdict. — Maureen O'connor, The Cut, "The Jury and the Family Speak Out As the Nanny Trial Ends," 19 Apr. 2018 Now, on the eve of the film's release, he's found himself in a strange place: First Reformed feels like a career summation, the period at the end of a sentence. — Zach Baron, GQ, "Paul Schrader Isn't Done Yet," 18 May 2018 The album really is the summation of his career, even if its bluesy Americana style is markedly different than the John Oates people may know. — Chuck Yarborough, cleveland.com, "John Oates, pal Daryl Hall, join Train for a night of power pop at The Q," 15 May 2018 The judge gave prosecutors two hours for closings, and an hour and a half to Portillo and Pike for their summation. — Guillermo Contreras, San Antonio Express-News, "Closing arguments Monday in trial of former top Bandidos leaders," 13 May 2018

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

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Last Updated

29 Aug 2018

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Time Traveler for summation

The first known use of summation was in 1760

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More Definitions for summation

summation

noun

English Language Learners Definition of summation

: 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

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

summation

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