Butterfly-effect definition
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.
noun
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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Other Word Forms
Noun
Singular:
butterfly-effect
Plural:
butterfly-effectsOrigin of butterfly-effect
- From the idea that the tiny atmospheric changes caused by the flap of a butterfly's wings can ultimately have major effects on the course of the weather
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition