noun
induction
ihn-DUHK-shuhn
noun
1
A formal process of introducing someone into a new role, organization, or position.
"Her induction into the Hall of Fame took place last spring."
2
The process of introducing a new employee or student to a place of work or study.
"All new staff attend an induction on their first day."
3
A method of reasoning that draws general conclusions from specific observations.
"Scientists rely heavily on induction when forming new theories from experimental data."
4
The generation of an electric current by a changing magnetic field.
"The stove uses induction to heat pans directly."
5
A method of mathematical proof that establishes a base case and then shows each case implies the next.
"The theorem was proved using mathematical induction."
How to Use Induction
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFormally bringing someone or something in — a person into a role, a current from a magnetic field, or a conclusion from evidence.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "deduction," which reasons from general rules to a specific conclusion — induction goes the other way, from specific cases to a general rule.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
induction ceremony
induction stove
mathematical induction
Word Forms
inductions plural
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Her _____ into the Hall of Fame took place last spring.
Etymology
From Old French induction, from Latin inductio, related to inducere ("to lead in").