the act or practice of copying the behaviour, appearance, or actions of someone or something
Her imitation of the pop star had everyone laughing.
Monkeys learn survival skills through imitation of the older ones.
✦ From Middle English imitacioun, from Latin imitātiōnem, accusative singular of imitātiō ('a copying, imitation'), from imitor ('I imitate, copy, strive to equal or resemble'), from the same root as imago ('image, likeness').
a copy or reproduction of something, especially one that is not genuine
This painting is just a cheap imitation of the original.
She bought an imitation pearl necklace for the costume party.
made to look like something else; not real or genuine
The jacket was made of imitation leather.
This recipe uses imitation vanilla extract.
a rule, condition, or fact that restricts what is possible or allowed
The speed limitation on this road is 50 miles per hour.
Because of budget limitations, the school can't hire more teachers.
✦ From Latin limītātiō ‘a bounding or restricting’, from līmitāre ‘to bound, limit’.
the act of controlling the size, amount, or extent of something
The limitation of salt in your diet can lower blood pressure.
They discussed the limitation of greenhouse gas emissions at the summit.
a fault or weakness that makes someone or something less effective
One major limitation of the device is its short battery life.
She acknowledged her own limitations and asked for help.
a legally fixed period after which a claim or prosecution can no longer be brought
The claim was dismissed because the period of limitation had expired.
Under the new law, the limitation for fraud cases is ten years.
