modification

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French modification, from Latin modificātiō (“a measuring”), from modificāre (“to limit, control, modify”); see modify.

noun

1. (obsolete, philosophy) The form of existence belonging to a particular object, entity etc.; a mode of being.
2. (linguistics) the change undergone by a word when used in a construction (for instance am => 'm in I'm)
3. The result of modifying something; a new or changed form.
4. The act of making a change to something while keeping its essential character intact; an alteration or adjustment.
   behavior modification officer
   Jim's modification to the radio's tuning resulted in clearer sound.
5. (biology) A change to an organism as a result of its environment that is not transmissable to offspring.
   Due to his sunbathing, Jim's body experienced modifications: he got a tan.
6. (linguistics) a change to a word when it is borrowed by another language
   The Chinese word "kòu tóu" had a modification made to become the English "kowtow".