ˌdemənˈstrāshən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English demonstracioun, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French demonstration, from Latin demonstration-, demonstratio, from demonstratus + -ion-, -io -ion
1. : the act of making known or evident by visible or tangible means: as
a. obsolete : indication , sign
b. : an expression or display (as of feelings) : show , manifestation
no one was called upon to make any great demonstration of gratitude on receiving a gift — Havelock Ellis
2. : the act, process, or means of demonstrating to the intelligence: as
a. : conclusive evidence
seek for a demonstration of his guilt
b. : a proof by experiment
a lecture demonstration of the neutralization of an acid by a base
c. : exhibition of methods of manufacture by means of specimens, examples, or specific instances
demonstrations in shingle making and other frontier crafts — American Guide Series: Texas
d. : illustration of the practical application of theories or methods
an early demonstration of satisfactory housing within the limitations of the average city block — American Guide Series: New York City
a demonstration school for student teachers to observe approved teaching practices
3. : an exhibition of armed force or a movement indicating an attack to show readiness for combat or to divert attention from the real point of attack
tying down the main enemy forces with demonstrations, feints, or limited attacks — Military Engineer
4. : a public display of group feeling (as of approval, sympathy, or antagonism) especially towards a person, cause, or action of public interest
while the delegates are howling and conducting their demonstrations, the leaders may be quietly engaged in the highest statesmanship — D.D.McKean
5. : a logical proof ; specifically : one in which the conclusion is the immediate sequence of reasoning from axiomatic or established premises
6. Roman law : the first of the four principal parts of the formula or order of reference to a magistrate in which the general background and subject matter of a case in litigation was set forth — compare intention 1c(1)
7. : a showing to a prospective buyer or buyers (as by actual operation) of the merits of an article or product