Noun

(en noun)

(botany, anatomy) A branching-out, the act or result of developing branches; specifically the divergence of the stem and limbs of a plant into smaller ones, or of similar developments in blood vessels, anatomical structures etc.

* 1829 , Lincoln Phelps, Familiar Lectures on Botany , p. 179:

The character of trees may be studied to advantage [...] in winter, when the forms of the ramification can be seen in the naked boughs [...].

* 1856 , Neil Arnott & Isaac Hayes, Elements of Physics , pp. 414-5:

From the left chamber or ventricle'' of the strong muscular mass, the ''heart'', a large tube arises, called the ''aorta ; and by a continued division or ramification , opens a way for the bright scarlet blood to the very minutest part of the living frame [...].

An offshoot of a decision, fact etc.; a consequence or implication, especially one which complicates a situation.

* 1834 , Sir Walter Scott, Rob Roy :

The treachery of some of the Jacobite agents (Rashleigh among the rest), and the arrest of others, had made George the First's Government acquainted with the extensive ramifications of a conspiracy long prepared, and which at last exploded prematurely [...].

* 2009 , The Guardian , Chris Power, Booksblog, 14 Jul 09:

But most often and memorably his work falls into that territory best summed up as speculative fiction, with a particular emphasis on dystopian futures and the existential ramifications of space exploration.

(mathematics) An arrangement of branches.

Noun

The power to affect, control or manipulate something or someone; the ability to change the development of fluctuating things such as conduct, thoughts or decisions.

* {{quote-magazine, date=2013-07-26, author=(Leo Hickman)

, volume=189, issue=7, page=26, magazine=(The Guardian Weekly) , title= How algorithms rule the world , passage=The use of algorithms in policing is one example of their increasing influence on our lives. And, as their ubiquity spreads, so too does the debate around whether we should allow ourselves to become so reliant on them – and who, if anyone, is policing their use.}}

An action exerted by a person or thing with such power on another to cause change.

A person or thing exerting such power or action.

* {{quote-magazine, year=2013, month=May-June, author= Katrina G. Claw

, title= Rapid Evolution in Eggs and Sperm , volume=101, issue=3, magazine=(American Scientist) , passage=Many genes with reproductive roles also have antibacterial and immune functions, which indicate that the threat of microbial attack on the sperm or egg may be a major influence on rapid evolution during reproduction.}}

(astrology) An element believed to determine someone's character or individual tendencies, caused by the position of the stars and planets at the time of one's birth.

(obsolete) The action of flowing in; influx.

* Hooker

God hath his influence into the very essence of all things.

(electricity) Electrostatic induction.