ramification

[ram-uh-fi-key-shuhn]

noun

1. the act or process of ramifying.

2. a branch.

   ramifications of a nerve.

3. a related or derived subject, problem, etc.; outgrowth; consequence; implication.

   The new tax law proved to have many ramifications unforeseen by the lawmakers.

4. Botany.

   1. a structure formed of branches.

   2. a configuration of branching parts.

ramification

/ ˌræmɪfɪˈkeɪʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of ramifying or branching out

2. an offshoot or subdivision

3. (often plural) a subsidiary consequence, esp one that complicates

4. a structure of branching parts

Word History and Origins

Origin of ramification¹

1670–80; < Middle French < Medieval Latin rāmificāt ( us ) (past participle of rāmificāre to ramify ) + Middle French -ion -ion

Example Sentences

The copper-haired Sam moves in on her first, and she doesn’t initially understand the ramifications of his Baptist chastity vows.

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The case could have broader ramifications for Voting Rights Act protections enacted to remedy discriminatory voting practices.

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That will depress spending - and also have wider ramifications, as environmental permitting, patent approvals, payments to contractors and other kinds of government activity tied to business comes to a halt.

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“But there are too many obstacles and this will have ramifications for the cost and quality of healthcare.”

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As private and public sector organizations have digitized more of their operations, the ramifications of a cyber attack or data breach are more severe.

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Related Words

• complication 
• consequence 
• upshot