ramification

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ram·i·fi·ca·tion / ˌraməfəˈkāshən/ • n. (usu. ramifications) a consequence of an action or event, esp. when complex or unwelcome: any change is bound to have legal ramifications. ∎  a subdivision of a complex structure or process perceived as comparable to a tree's branches: an extended family with its ramifications of neighboring in-laws. ∎ formal or technical the action or state of ramifying or being ramified.