ramification

ramification
noun
  1. (一般作 ramifications)a consequence of an action or event, especially when complex or unwelcome
    衍生结果,派生影响;后果
    any change is bound to have legal ramifications.
    任何变化必然会带来法律后果。
    ■a subdivision of a complex structure or process perceived as comparable to a tree's branches
    (复杂结构或过程的)分支,分叉;支流
    an extended family with its ramifications of neighbouring inlaws.
    包括近旁分支姻亲的大家族。
    ■[mass noun](formal or technical)the action or state of ramifying or being ramified
    (正式或技)分枝(或分支)形成;分枝(或分支)排列
语源
  1. mid 17th cent.: from French, from ramifier form branches (see ramify)
英语宝典
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