summation
noun
sum·ma·tion
(ˌ)sə-ˈmā-shən 
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
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
There was no better summation of the fourth-quarter miracle that unfolded on Sunday, by mirror image, than the Broncos’ game-winning drive in the fourth quarter.
—
Luca Evans, Denver Post, 20 Oct. 2025
But unlike other series cappers, Last Rites didn’t try to be a summation of every demonic threat the duo has ever encountered, instead opting for another familial story by way of 1986’s Smurl haunting in Pennsylvania.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2025
This summation is much more cursory than the others on this list.
—Big Think, 14 Oct. 2025
The Angels’ 8-4 loss to the Kansas City Royals provided a tidy summation of the problems, at the plate and on the mound.
—Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for summation
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Luca Evans, Denver Post, 20 Oct. 2025
But unlike other series cappers, Last Rites didn’t try to be a summation of every demonic threat the duo has ever encountered, instead opting for another familial story by way of 1986’s Smurl haunting in Pennsylvania.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2025
This summation is much more cursory than the others on this list.
—Big Think, 14 Oct. 2025
The Angels’ 8-4 loss to the Kansas City Royals provided a tidy summation of the problems, at the plate and on the mound.
—Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for summation
Cite this Entry
“Summation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/summation. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
summation
noun
sum·ma·tion
(ˌ)sə-ˈmā-shən
1
: the act or process of forming a sum : addition
2
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
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