ENGLISH
REFERENCE

migration

n.
US //maɪˈɡɹeɪʃən// UK //maɪɡɹˈeɪʃən// mi·gra·tion
  1. 1 people moving (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the movement of people from one country or area to another to live and work.

    the movement of persons from one locality to another, often across political boundaries, for permanent or semi-permanent residence.

    Example

    The migration of workers to the cities has changed the country's economy.

    Example

    Economic instability in the rural provinces triggered a massive migration toward the industrial hubs of the north.
  2. 2 animal movement (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    the seasonal journey of animals, like birds or fish, from one region to another.

    the seasonal movement of animals from one region to another, typically in response to changes in food supply or breeding requirements.

    Example

    Every autumn, we watch the migration of birds flying south for the winter.

    Example

    The annual wildebeest migration across the Serengeti is one of the most complex and visually stunning events in the natural world.
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  1. 3 computing/data (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    the process of moving data or software from one computer system or platform to another.

    the process of transferring data, applications, or entire operating environments from one hardware or software platform to another.

    Example

    The company is planning a migration of all its files to a new cloud system.

    Example

    The database migration was scheduled for midnight to minimize the impact of potential downtime on the global user base.

    Usage

    Often used with 'to' or 'from' to indicate the source and destination systems.
  2. 4 biology/cells (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Medicine

    the movement of cells within a body to a specific location.

    the directed movement of cells in response to chemical or mechanical signals, essential for processes like wound healing.

    Example

    The migration of white blood cells to the injury helps the body heal.

    Example

    Researchers are studying how the abnormal migration of cancer cells leads to the formation of secondary tumours in other organs.
Origin

From Middle French migration and its source, Latin migrātiō, from the participle stem of migrō (“I migrate”). Morphologically migrate + -ion.

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