induction

noun

in·​duc·​tion in-ˈdək-shən How to pronounce induction (audio)
1
a
: the act or process of inducting (as into office)
b
: the formality by which a civilian is inducted into military service
c
: an initial experience : initiation
2
a(1)
: inference of a generalized conclusion from particular instances compare deduction sense 2a
(2)
: a conclusion arrived at by induction
b
: mathematical demonstration of the validity of a law concerning all the positive integers by proving that it holds for the integer 1 and that if it holds for an arbitrarily chosen positive integer k, it must hold for the integer k + 1

called also mathematical induction

3
a
: the process by which an electrical conductor becomes electrified when near a charged body, by which a magnetizable body becomes magnetized when in a magnetic field or in the magnetic flux set up by a magnetomotive force, or by which an electromotive force is produced in a circuit by varying the magnetic field linked with the circuit
b
: the inspiration of the fuel-air charge from the carburetor into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine
c
: the process by which the fate of embryonic cells is determined (as by the action of adjacent cells) and morphogenetic differentiation brought about
4
a
: the act of bringing forward or adducing something (such as facts or particulars)
b
: the act of causing or bringing on or about
5
: a preface, prologue, or introductory scene especially of an early English play

Examples of induction in a Sentence

Many people attended the bishop's induction. The induction ceremony was held at a banquet hall. the registration and induction of draftees
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In addition to the induction ceremony, Howard will be honored that night during a game against the Lakers. Jason Beede, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2025 Paul McCartney wrote an open letter in support of Cocker’s induction for the Rock Hall’s 2025 class. Devon Ivie, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2025 My travels through the show revealed new induction cooktop and range options. Jamie Gold, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025 Cocker is one of the more than a dozen artists who are nominated for induction this year, including Cyndi Lauper, the White Stripes, Oasis, Outkast, Billy Idol, and Maná, the first Spanish-language band to be up for the honor. Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for induction

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of induction was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Induction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/induction. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

induction

noun
in·​duc·​tion in-ˈdək-shən How to pronounce induction (audio)
1
a
: the act or process of inducting (as into office)
b
: a first experience of something : initiation
c
: the procedure by which a civilian is inducted into military service
2
: reasoning from particular examples to a general conclusion
3
a
: the act of causing or bringing on or about
b
: the process of producing an electrical or magnetic effect through the influence of a nearby magnet, electric current, or electrically charged body

Medical Definition

induction

noun
in·​duc·​tion in-ˈdək-shən How to pronounce induction (audio)
1
: the act of causing or bringing on or about
induction of labor
specifically : the establishment of the initial state of anesthesia often with an agent other than that used subsequently to maintain the anesthetic state
2
: the process by which an electrical conductor becomes electrified when near a charged body, by which a magnetizable body becomes magnetized when in a magnetic field or in the magnetic flux set up by a magnetomotive force, or by which an electromotive force is produced in a circuit by varying the magnetic field linked with the circuit
3
a
: arousal of a part or area (as of the retina) by stimulation of an adjacent part or area
b
: the process by which the fate of embryonic cells is determined (as by the action of adjacent cells) and morphogenetic differentiation brought about
induct transitive verb

More from Merriam-Webster on induction

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