butterfly effect

noun

1. a cumulatively large effect that a very small natural force may produce over a period of time.

butterfly effect

noun

1. the idea, used in chaos theory, that a very small difference in the initial state of a physical system can make a significant difference to the state at some later time

butterfly effect

1. A phenomenon in which a small perturbation in the initial condition of a system results in large changes in later conditions. Such phenomena are common in complex dynamical systems and are studied in chaos theory.

Word History and Origins

Origin of butterfly effect¹

First recorded in 1980–85; so called from the notion that the fluttering of a butterfly's wings may set off currents that will grow into a large storm

Word History and Origins

Origin of butterfly effect¹

C20: from the theory that a butterfly flapping its wings in one part of the world might ultimately cause a hurricane in another part of the world

Example Sentences

Mr Surcouf said the biggest concern for local charities was the potential "butterfly effect" of US policies being mirrored elsewhere.

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One wonders about the butterfly effect caused by the swish of Jadeja's blade.

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He considers himself a laissez-faire guy who believes in the butterfly effect, and with the career path he’s helmed, he’s been able to star in his most fulfilling role — dad.

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You may have come across the ‘butterfly effect’ where if a butterfly were to flutter its wings in Mexico, it can bring rain to the UK.

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Although we may commonly use the phrase to denote the seeming interconnectedness of our own lives, the term "butterfly effect" is sometimes associated with chaos theory.

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When To Use

What does butterfly effect mean?

The butterfly effect is the idea that small events can have a large, unpredictable influence on the future.How is butterfly effect pronounced?[ buht-er-flahy ih-fekt ] What are some other words related to butterfly effect?

• chaos theory



• fractals



• domino effect



• snowball



• divergence