1. 分支：这样有可能会产生软件的分支 (ramification),稍后会有讨论. 虽然自由软件仍然有一定的约束(只有公共领域 (public domain) 的软件是完全没有约束限制的),它仍然让用户有很大的*性,可以依他们的需求来做事. 同时,它也保护作者的权利.

2. 分歧：上标;升标 raising of indices | 分歧 ramification | 分歧指数 ramification exponent

3. 支流：Ramey type curve 雷米解释图版 | ramification 支流 | ramjet 冲压式喷气发动机

1. （决定、计划、事件产生的）后果，影响
    The ramifications of a decision, plan, or event are all its consequences and effects, especially ones which are not obvious at first.

公共查询·英语单词

    e.g. The book analyses the social and political ramifications of AIDS for the gay community.
           这本书分析了艾滋病给同性恋群体所带来的社会和政治影响。

1. the act of branching out or dividing into branches

    Synonym: branchingforkforking

2. an arrangement of branching parts

3. a development that complicates a situation

    e.g. the court''s decision had many unforeseen ramifications

    Synonym: complication

4. a part of a forked or branching shape

    e.g. he broke off one of the branches

    Synonym: branchleg