ramification

Meanings

1. 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.
2. An offshoot of a decision, fact etc.; a consequence or implication, especially one which complicates a situation.
3. An arrangement of branches.

Etymology

From Middle French ramification, or its source, Medieval Latin rāmificātiō. By surface analysis, ramify + -ication.