simulation

[ sim-yuh-ley-shuhn ]

noun

1. imitation or enactment, as of something anticipated or in testing.
2. the act or process of pretending; feigning.
3. an assumption or imitation of a particular appearance or form; counterfeit; sham.
4. Psychiatry. a conscious attempt to feign some mental or physical disorder to escape punishment or to gain a desired objective.
5. the representation of the behavior or characteristics of one system through the use of another system, especially a computer program designed for the purpose.

Other Words From

• nonsim·u·lation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of simulation¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English simulacion, from Latin simulātiōn- (stem of simulātiō ) “a pretense”; simulate, -ion

Example Sentences

I again pleaded with the entity that is running this infernal simulation to please stop.

From Salon

Then we’d work out the choreography, and then the particle team would take that information and use very elaborate simulation engines to get the basic path of the tornado and deal with its effect on the environment.

From Los Angeles Times

This tornado had so much going on that when we used our simulation engines, we couldn’t fit it all into memory.

From Los Angeles Times

For this one, we had an amazing simulation tool set called ILM Pyro where you can take parameters from a real storm and put them in.

From Los Angeles Times

If that wasn't the kiss of death, it was an awfully good simulation.

From Salon

Related Words

• reproduction