/,demən'streɪʃn; ,dɛmən`streʃən/
n
1 [C, U] (instance of) showing sth by giving proof or evidence 证明; 论证
*convinced by
(a) scientific demonstration 以科学的论证使人信服
* a demonstration of a law of physics 证明一物理定律.
2 [C, U] (instance of) showing and explaining how sth works （对某物如何操作的）示范, 解释
*a demonstration of the computer's functions 计算机功能的示范表演. =>Usage 见所附用法.
3 [C] ~ (against/in favour of sb/sth) public, often organized, rally or march protesting against or supporting sb/sth （抗议或拥护某人[某事], 常为有组织的）集会或游行
*a mass demonstration in support of the regime 拥护该政权的群众集会.
4 [C] outward sign; example 表现; 表示; 实例
*a demonstration of affection, eg embracing sb 爱的表示（如拥抱某人）
* a clear demonstration of their intentions 他们明显表示意图.

NOTE ON USAGE 用法
*
1 A demonstration and a display do not require a specific or permanent site.*demonstration和display不必有特定的或永久的地点. At a demonstration one sees how something works or is done 在demonstration中可以看到某事物的操作情形
*a cookery demonstration 烹饪表演
* a demonstration of a new car 新汽车的使用示范.
2 A display is often for public entertainment *display常用于公共娱乐方面
*a flying, fireworks, fashion, etc display 飞行、烟火、时装等表演.
3 A trade exhibition/show/fair is held in an exhibition hall or centre where commercial or industrial goods are advertised *trade exhibition/ show/ fair是在exhibition hall或centre中举办的, 用以宣传工商业产品
*a book fair 书展
* the World Trade Fair 世界贸易博览会
* the Motor Show 机动车辆展览
* the Great Exhibition 大型展览会.
4 A show can also be of domestic animals or plants, often in competition for prizes. *show还可作豢养的动物展览或栽培的花草展览, 常为有奖竞赛. Paintings, drawings, etc are displayed in an exhibition 绘画等则在exhibition中展出
*the Chelsea Flower Show 切尔西花展
* a horse show 马展
* an art exhibition 美术展览会.
5 A fair or funfair is also a collection of entertainments (roundabouts, stalls, etc) travelling from town to town. *fair或funfair也可作巡回的娱乐集会（有旋转木马、游戏摊位等）.

n[C]
an event at which a large group of people meet to protest or to support something in public
peaceful/violent demonstration
　Police opened fire on a peaceful demonstration.
　The proposals sparked mass demonstrations .
demonstration against
　a demonstration against the government's educational policies
stage/hold a demonstration
　Supporters staged a demonstration outside the US embassy.
an act of explaining and showing how to do something or how something works
demonstration of
　He gave a practical demonstration of the boat's military potential.
　a cookery demonstration
formal an action that proves that someone or something has a particular ability, quality, or feeling
demonstration of
　The high level of calls is a clear demonstration of the need for this service.
　a physical demonstration of affection