ramification
/ˌræmɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/noun
(一般作ramifications)
1- 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。
1.1
- 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。
1.2
- 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。
词源
mid 17th cent.: from French, from ramifier form branches (see ramify).