ramification

Noun
Synonyms: branchingforkforkingbranchlegcomplication

WordNet 3.0

Noun (4)

  1. the act of branching out or dividing into branchesSynonyms: branchingforkforking
  2. a part of a forked or branching shape“he broke off one of the branches”Synonyms: branchleg
  3. a development that complicates a situation“the court's decision had many unforeseen ramifications”Synonyms: complication
  4. an arrangement of branching parts
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

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]

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