migration

[ mahy-grey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the process or act of migrating.
2. a migratory movement:

   preparations for the migration.

3. a number or body of persons or animals migrating together.
4. Chemistry. a movement or change of position of atoms within a molecule.
5. Physics. diffusion ( def 3a ).

migration

/ maɪˈɡreɪʃən /

noun

1. the act or an instance of migrating
2. a group of people, birds, etc, migrating in a body
3. chem a movement of atoms, ions, or molecules, such as the motion of ions in solution under the influence of electric fields

migration

/ mī-grā′shən /

1. The seasonal movement of a complete population of animals from one area to another. Migration is usually a response to changes in temperature, food supply, or the amount of daylight, and is often undertaken for the purpose of breeding. Mammals, insects, fish, and birds all migrate. The precise mechanism of navigation during migration is not fully understood, although for birds it is believed that sharp eyesight, sensibility to the Earth's magnetic field, and the positions of the Sun and other stars may play a role.
2. The movement of one atom or more, or of a double bond, from one position to another within a molecule.
3. The movement of ions between electrodes during electrolysis.

Derived Forms

• miˈgrational, adjective

Other Word Forms

• mi·gration·al adjective
• nonmi·gration noun
• premi·gration adjective
• remi·gration noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of migration¹

First recorded in 1605–15, migration is from the Latin word migrātīon- (stem of migrātiō ). See migrate, -ion

Example Sentences

Other countries including Germany have imposed border controls in a bid to limit irregular migration.

From BBC

For Cait, watching the migration has become a yearly tradition, so much so that she books time off work to fully immerse herself in the three-week broadcast.

From BBC

UK Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood said the government was talking to France about migration issues but did not comment on the possibility of a removals deal.

From BBC

State officials say the Newsom administration’s ongoing efforts to help salmon populations recover include restoring tidal habitats, modernizing infrastructure, removing barriers that hinder fish migration and reintroducing salmon in traditional spawning areas upstream from dams.

From Los Angeles Times

Both sunlight and moonlight play roles in regulating the spawning and migration of Japanese eels.

From Salon

Related Words

• exodus
• flight
• journey
• movement
• shift
• transfer