n.
Pronunciation: ˌ mä-d ə -f ə - ' k ā -sh ə n
Function: noun
Date: 1603
1 : the limiting of a statement : QUALIFICATION
2 : 1 MODE 6A
3 a : the making of a limited change in something also : the result of such a change b : a change in an organism caused by environmental factors
4 : a limitation or qualification of the meaning of a word by another word, by an affix, or by internal change