butterfly effect

American  

noun

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

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butterfly effect British  

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

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butterfly effect Scientific  

/ bŭt′ər-flī′ /

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.

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Usage

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

Etymology

Origin of butterfly effect

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

Example Sentences

These parallels should remind us that we our deeply interconnected on this planet, and that the “butterfly effect” isn’t just a bad Ashton Kutcher film.

From Salon

“It’s called butterfly effect. Epstein was the first domino,” he says, miming dominoes falling.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From BBC

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

From BBC

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.

From Los Angeles Times