Definition

1. Noun:
   • The arithmetic operation of summing; calculating the sum of two or more numbers: The act or process of adding numbers together to find a total.
   • The final aggregate; the total amount resulting from the addition of parts: The whole amount or quantity resulting from the combination of elements.
   • (Physiology) The process whereby multiple stimuli can produce a response that one stimulus alone does not produce: A cumulative effect in nerve or muscle tissue where a series of stimuli combine to trigger a reaction.
   • A concluding summary, especially in a legal argument: A final, comprehensive review of the main points of a case, typically presented at the end of a trial.

Usage Examples

• Arithmetic Operation:
  • The summation of the column of figures revealed a significant profit.
  • Performing the summation manually can be time-consuming for large datasets.
• Final Aggregate:
  • The report presented a summation of the year's achievements.
  • The summation of all the evidence pointed to a single conclusion.
• Physiology:
  • Temporal summation occurs when a neuron fires after receiving multiple signals in quick succession.
• Legal Summary:
  • The defense attorney delivered a powerful summation to the jury.
  • In his summation, the prosecutor reiterated the key facts of the case.

Advanced Usage

• "In summation": Used to introduce a final, concise statement or conclusion.
  • In summation, the project was a success despite the initial challenges.
• Mathematical Notation: Often represented by the uppercase Greek letter sigma (Σ) in formal mathematics.
  • The formula uses summation to calculate the total.

Variants and Related Words

• Sum (n): The result of an addition.
• Summative (adj): Relating to or acting as a summary; evaluating cumulative learning.
• Summate (v): To sum up; to add together. (Less common than 'summarize' or 'add').

Synonyms

• Addition: The process of adding numbers.
• Total: The whole amount.
• Aggregate: A whole formed by combining several elements.
• Recapitulation: A concise summary.

Related Phrases

• Summation of forces: (Physics) The combined effect of multiple forces acting on an object.
• Opening/Closing summation: (Law) The initial or final summary statement in a trial.

Related Idioms

• The long and short of it: A phrase meaning a brief summation.

Noun

1. the arithmetic operation of summing; calculating the sum of two or more numbers
   • the summation of four and three gives seven
   • four plus three equals seven
2. the final aggregate
   • the sum of all our troubles did not equal the misery they suffered
3. (physiology) the process whereby multiple stimuli can produce a response (in a muscle or nerve or other part) that one stimulus alone does not produce
4. a concluding summary (as in presenting a case before a law court)