simulation

noun

sim·​u·​la·​tion ˌsim-yə-ˈlā-shən 

1

: the act or process of simulating

2

: a sham object : counterfeit

3

a

: the imitative representation of the functioning of one system or process by means of the functioning of another

a computer simulation of an industrial process

b

: examination of a problem often not subject to direct experimentation by means of a simulating device

Examples of simulation in a Sentence

a computer simulation of spaceflight

a simulation of the planet's surface

They use computer simulation to predict weather conditions.

Recent Examples on the Web

Our simulations indicate his support translates to between 14 and 20 delegates, even though only half of the state's primary voters name him their first choice. —Kabir Khanna, CBS News, 26 Sep. 2023

Using the simulations, Matsumoto and his team analyzed the gas’s motion and found that in the gas cloud where the protostars formed, the gas moving around the triplet stars creates shock waves. —Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 11 Sep. 2023

These three represent simulation, open-world action-adventure, and competitive/esports shooter games respectively. —Joe Hindy, PCMAG, 9 Sep. 2023

Climate Central evaluates how climate change is affecting temperatures and heat events by using data and computer models to create simulations of a world with and without carbon emissions. —Ellen Francis, Washington Post, 8 Sep. 2023

Using computer simulations, the researchers studied how each species had evolved different variations in the neuron binding site—the same part of the protein altered in poison dart frogs—to thwart the toxin. —Carrie Arnold, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2023

Students familiarize themselves with AI tools through traditional classroom discussion combined with hands-on demonstrations, simulations, and group project work. —Foreign Affairs, 21 Aug. 2023

These represent simulation, open-world action-adventure, and competitive esports shooter games, respectively. —PCMAG, 18 Sep. 2023

These paraffin wax candles look very realistic with a glow-from-within effect and flame simulation technology. —Maya Polton, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Sep. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

Middle English simulacioun "insincerity, pretense, deceit," borrowed from Anglo-French simulacion, borrowed from Latin simulātiōn-, simulātiō "act of copying, putting on an appearance, pretense," from simulāre, similāre "to pretend, assume the appearance of by one's conduct, produce a fraudulent imitation of, imitate" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at simulate

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

simulation

noun

sim·​u·​la·​tion ˌsim-yə-ˈlā-shən 

1

: the act or process of simulating

2

: an object that is not genuine

3

: the imitation by one system or process of the way in which another system or process works

a computer simulation of spaceflight

Legal Definition

simulation

noun

sim·​u·​la·​tion ˌsim-yə-ˈlā-shən 

1

in the civil law of Louisiana

2

: the act of simulating

3

: a contract that by mutual agreement does not express the true intent of the parties see also counterletter compare disguised donation at donation

Note: Although a simulation does not have effect as between the parties, its lack of effect may not be asserted against third parties, such as creditors or bona fide purchasers, to avoid liability.