ramification

American  

[ram-uh-fi-key-shuhn] / ˌræm ə fɪˈkeɪ ʃən /

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 British  

/ 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

---

Etymology

Origin of ramification

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

Example Sentences

“The ramifications over America’s gunboat diplomacy are likely to be more influential within Latin America,” Capital Economics’ Neil Shearing says in commentary.

From The Wall Street Journal

“The ramifications over America’s gunboat diplomacy are likely to be more influential within Latin America,” Capital Economics’ Neil Shearing said in a commentary.

From The Wall Street Journal

"A full resumption of hostilities could have serious ramifications on regional peace and security," he said, urging parties to deescalate tensions.

From Barron's

"We must consider the wider ramifications of the continued escalation of the situation for the people we serve," Mohamad Hasan told his counterparts, according to news agency AFP.

From BBC

Young was sympathetic to the idea that the province has to confront the ramifications of seizing land from the area’s original indigenous occupants.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• complication
• consequence
• upshot