integration

[in-ti-grey-shuhn]

noun

1. an act or instance of combining into an integral whole.

   Synonyms: combination

2. an act or instance of integrating a racial, religious, or ethnic group.

3. an act or instance of integrating an organization, place of business, school, etc.

4. Mathematics.,  the operation of finding the integral of a function or equation, especially solving a differential equation.

5. behavior, as of an individual, that is in harmony with the environment.

6. Psychology.,  the organization of the constituent elements of the personality into a coordinated, harmonious whole.

7. Genetics.,  coadaptation.

integration

1. In calculus, the process of calculating an integral. Integration is the inverse of differentiation, since integrating a given function results in a function whose derivative is the given function. Integration is used in the calculation of such things as the areas and volumes of irregular shapes and solids.

2. Compare differentiation

integration

1. The free association of people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds (see ethnicity); a goal of the civil rights movement to overcome policies of segregation that have been practiced in the United States.

Those favoring integration of schools by such forceful means as busing or affirmative action have frequently argued that integration of schools will lead to integration of society as a whole. (See separate but equal.)

Other Word Forms

• anti-integration adjective
• de-integration noun
• nonintegration noun
• prointegration adjective
• self-integration noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of integration¹

First recorded in 1610–20; from Latin integrātiōn-, stem of integrātiō “renewal,” equivalent to integrāt(us) “renewed, restored” (past participle of integrāre; integrate ( def. ) ) + -iō -ion ( def. )

Example Sentences

While numerous connectivity, integration and policy related hurdles still need to be ironed out, the airport's opening will turn a significant new chapter in India's aviation ambitions.

From BBC

His extradition comes as the impoverished country between Romania and Ukraine is preparing for 28 September elections that will determine whether Moldova continues its integration with the EU, or returns to Russia's political influence.

From BBC

The West Midlands is home to many of the establishments, which combine a public house with Indian food and Punjabi music, and symbolise integration despite origins in segregation.

From BBC

Critics and audiences were done with Deen, refusing to look critically at her defense, which was that she grew up in the 1960s at the start of Southern integration, and that unlearning language took time.

From Salon

Mr Stephens said the demand on policing could be reduced by better integration of refugees.

From BBC

Related Words

• assimilation