demonstration

[dem-uh n-strey-shuh n] /ˌdɛm ənˈstreɪ ʃən/
noun
1.
the act or circumstance of proving or being proved conclusively, as by reasoning or a show of evidence:
a belief incapable of demonstration.
2.
something serving as proof or supporting evidence:
They sent a check as a demonstration of their concern.
3.
a description or explanation, as of a process, illustrated by examples, specimens, or the like:
a demonstration of methods of refining ore.
4.
the act of exhibiting the operation or use of a device, machine, process, product, or the like, as to a prospective buyer.
5.
an exhibition, as of feeling; display; manifestation:
His demonstration of affection was embarrassing.
6.
a public exhibition of the attitude of a group of persons toward a controversial issue, or other matter, made by picketing, parading, etc.
7.
a show of military force or of offensive operations made to deceive an enemy.
8.
Mathematics. a logical presentation of the way in which given assumptions imply a certain result; proof.
Origin
1325-75; Middle English demonstracioun < Latin dēmonstrātiōn- (stem of dēmonstrātiō, equivalent to dēmonstrāt(us) (see demonstrate) + -iōn- -ion
Related forms
demonstrational, adjective
demonstrationist, noun
counterdemonstration, noun
predemonstration, noun
redemonstration, noun
subdemonstration, noun
superdemonstration, noun
undemonstrational, adjective
Examples from the web for demonstration
  • Hill had promised a public demonstration of his works and process, but he kept pushing the date back.
  • It turned out it belonged to a local tour operator, who used the fossil as a demonstration piece.
  • First demonstration of localized ripples of matter.
  • The nonviolent demonstration was the first sustained sit-in, and soon after others sprung up across the south.
  • The audience greeted the demonstration with hoots and applause.
  • Chaos and violence, though, quickly marred this particular demonstration.
  • Anti-corruption protestors greeted this with a demonstration outside parliament.
  • By the normal standards of mobile robotics, that would be a culminating demonstration for a research project.
  • Turn a left-field question into a demonstration of your qualifications for the position.
  • Two arguments spout up from this demonstration of earthly power.
British Dictionary definitions for demonstration

demonstration

/ˌdɛmənˈstreɪʃən/
noun
1.
the act of demonstrating
2.
proof or evidence leading to proof
3.
an explanation, display, illustration, or experiment showing how something works
4.
a manifestation of grievances, support, or protest by public rallies, parades, etc
5.
a manifestation of emotion
6.
a show of military force or preparedness
7.
(maths) a logical presentation of the assumptions and equations used in solving a problem or proving a theorem
Derived Forms
demonstrational, adjective
demonstrationist, noun
Word Origin and History for demonstration
n.

late 14c., "proof that something is true," from Old French demonstration or directly from Latin demonstrationem (nominative demonstratio), noun of action from past participle stem of demonstrare "to point out, indicate, demonstrate," figuratively, "to prove, establish," from de- "entirely" (see de-) + monstrare "to point out, show," from monstrum "divine omen, wonder" (see monster). Meaning "public show of feeling," usually with a mass meeting and a procession, is from 1839. Related: Demonstrational.