The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Ramification \Ram`i*fi*ca"tion\
   (r[a^]m`[i^]*f[i^]*k[=a]"sh[u^]n), n. [Cf. F. ramification.
   See Ramify.]
   1. The process of branching, or the development of branches
      or offshoots from a stem; also, the mode of their
      arrangement.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. A small branch or offshoot proceeding from a main stock or
      channel; as, the ramifications of an artery, vein, or
      nerve.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. A division into principal and subordinate classes, heads,
      or departments; also, one of the subordinate parts; as,
      the ramifications of a subject or scheme.
      [1913 Webster]

   4. The production of branchlike figures. --Crabb.
      [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

ramification
    n 1: the act of branching out or dividing into branches [syn:
         branching, ramification, fork, forking]
    2: a part of a forked or branching shape; "he broke off one of
       the branches" [syn: branch, leg, ramification]
    3: a development that complicates a situation; "the court's
       decision had many unforeseen ramifications" [syn:
       complication, ramification]
    4: an arrangement of branching parts