Dictionary

selection

noun se·lec·tion \sə-ˈlek-shən\

: the act of choosing something or someone from a group

: someone or something that is chosen from a group

: a collection of things chosen from a group of similar things

Full Definition of SELECTION

1
:  the act or process of selecting :  the state of being selected
2
:  one that is selected :  choice; also :  a collection of selected things
3
:  a natural or artificial process that results or tends to result in the survival and propagation of some individuals or organisms but not of others with the result that the inherited traits of the survivors are perpetuated — compare darwinism, natural selection
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First Known Use of SELECTION

circa 1623

Synonym Discussion of SELECTION

choice, option, alternative, preference, selection, election mean the act or opportunity of choosing or the thing chosen. choice suggests the opportunity or privilege of choosing freely <freedom of choice>. option implies a power to choose that is specifically granted or guaranteed <the option of paying now or later>. alternative implies a need to choose one and reject another possibility <equally attractive alternatives>. preference suggests a choice guided by one's judgment or predilections <a preference for cool weather>. selection implies a range of choice <a varied selection of furniture>. election implies an end or purpose which requires exercise of judgment <doing a tax return forces certain elections on you>.

choice, exquisite, elegant, rare, delicate, dainty mean having qualities that appeal to a cultivated taste. choice stresses preeminence in quality or kind <choice fabric>. exquisite implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste <an exquisite gold bracelet>. elegant applies to what is rich and luxurious but restrained by good taste <a sumptuous but elegant dining room>. rare suggests an uncommon excellence <rare beauty>. delicate implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility <delicate craftsmanship>. dainty sometimes carries an additional suggestion of smallness and of appeal to the eye or palate <dainty sandwiches>.
SELECTION Defined for Kids

selection

noun se·lec·tion \sə-ˈlek-shən\

Definition of SELECTION for Kids

1
:  the act or process of choosing
2
:  something that is chosen
Medical Dictionary

selection

noun se·lec·tion \sə-ˈlek-shən\

Medical Definition of SELECTION

:  a natural or artificial process that results or tends to result in the survival and propagation of some individuals or organisms but not of others with the result that the inherited traits of the survivors are perpetuated—compare darwinism, natural selection
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