modification

[mod-uh-fi-key-shuh n] /ˌmɒd ə fɪˈkeɪ ʃən/
noun
1.
an act or instance of modifying.
2.
the state of being modified; partial alteration.
3.
a modified form; variety.
4.
Biology. a change in a living organism acquired from its own activity or environment and not transmitted to its descendants.
5.
limitation or qualification.
6.
Grammar.
  1. the use of a modifier in a construction, or of modifiers in a class of constructions or in a language.
  2. the meaning of a modifier, especially as it affects the meaning of the word or other form modified:
    Limitation is one kind of modification.
  3. a change in the phonological shape of a morpheme, word, or other form when it functions as an element in a construction, as the change of not to -n't in doesn't.
  4. an adjustment in the form of a word as it passes from one language to another.
Origin
1495-1505; < Latin modificātiōn- (stem of modificātiō), equivalent to modificāt(us) (past participle of modificāre; see modify) + -iōn- -ion
Related forms
intermodification, noun
overmodification, noun
premodification, noun
remodification, noun
Examples from the web for modification
  • Certain requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
  • Hitherto, genetic modification has been the work of apprentices and journeymen.
  • Vegetable plants can be modified in the field through crossbreeding and in the lab using genetic modification.
  • What is important is that genetic modification is not one thing.
  • But now that modification method could become unnecessary.
  • The modification will not take place until you sign an affidavit promising you'll get counseling.
  • All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.
  • Since genetic modification would help with this, it would be handy if people abandoned their prejudice against it.
  • Organic food relies little on genetic modification or pesticides.
  • According to the study's results, this receptor modification actually improves the recall of emotional memories.
British Dictionary definitions for modification

modification

/ˌmɒdɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/
noun
1.
the act of modifying or the condition of being modified
2.
something modified; the result of a modification
3.
a small change or adjustment
4.
(grammar) the relation between a modifier and the word or phrase that it modifies
Derived Forms
modificatory, modificative, adjective
Word Origin and History for modification
n.

c.1500, in philosophy, from Middle French modification (14c.) and directly from Latin modificationem (nominative modificatio) "a measuring," noun of action from past participle stem of modificare (see modify). Meaning "alteration to an object to bring it up to date" is from 1774. Biological sense is attested by 1896.

modification in Medicine

modification mod·i·fi·ca·tion (mŏd'ə-fĭ-kā'shən)
n.
Any of the changes in an organism that are caused by environment or activity and are not genetically transmissable to offspring.

modification in Science
modification
  (mŏd'ə-fĭ-kā'shən)   
A change in an organism that results from external influences and cannot be inherited.