ramification
noun /ˌræmɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/
/ˌræmɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/
[usually plural]- one of a number of complicated and unexpected results that follow an action or a decision synonym complication
- These changes are bound to have widespread social ramifications.
Word Originmid 17th cent.: from French, from ramifier ‘form branches’, from medieval Latin ramificare, from Latin ramus ‘branch’.