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 Words From

• 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

But Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's government is facing pressure to reduce record levels of migration, in the hope of improving housing affordability and easing a cost-of-living crisis, ahead of a federal election next year.

From BBC

Early human migrations from Africa to the southern part of the globe were well underway during the early part of the last ice age -- humans reached northern Australia by around 65,000 years ago.

From Science Daily

He has also developed close ties with Giorgia Meloni since she was elected over two years ago on the promise of cracking down on illegal migration.

From BBC

But for successive US leaders, Latin America has been seen primarily in terms of illegal migration and illegal drugs.

From BBC

I had been investigating climate change as a new driver of both large-scale migration around the world and of potential conflict.

From Salon

Related Words

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