RAMIFICATION

n. consequence, outcome of another event; branch, bough; act of branching out

In mathematics, ramification is a geometric term used for 'branching out', in the way that the square root function, for complex numbers, can be seen to have two branches differing in sign. It is also used from the opposite perspective (branches coming together) as when a covering map degenerates at a point of a space, with some collapsing together of the fibers of the mapping.
See more at Wikipedia.org...

Noun
1. the act of branching out or dividing into branches
(synonym) branching, fork, forking
(hypernym) division
(hyponym) bifurcation
(derivation) ramify, branch
2. a part of a forked or branching shape; "he broke off one of the branches"; "they took the south fork"
(synonym) branch, fork, leg
(hypernym) subfigure
(hyponym) bifurcation
(part-holonym) furcation, forking
(derivation) ramify, branch
3. a development that complicates a situation; "the court's decision had many unforeseen ramifications"
(synonym) complication
(hypernym) development
(derivation) complexify, ramify
4. an arrangement of branching parts
(hypernym) placement, arrangement
(derivation) ramify, branch

n. ramification, corrugation; branch, offshoot

(n.)
The production of branchlike figures.
  

(n.)
The process of branching, or the development of branches or offshoots from a stem; also, the mode of their arrangement.
  

(n.)
A small branch or offshoot proceeding from a main stock or channel; as, the ramifications of an artery, vein, or nerve.
  

(n.)
A division into principal and subordinate classes, heads, or departments; also, one of the subordinate parts; as, the ramifications of a subject or scheme.