butterfly effect

noun

: a property of chaotic systems (such as the atmosphere) by which small changes in initial conditions can lead to large-scale and unpredictable variation in the future state of the system

Examples of butterfly effect in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Lucca Comic and Games has over almost 60 years accomplished a fantastic butterfly effect, artistic director Emanuele Vietina tells Variety. John Bleasdale, Variety, 28 Oct. 2024 According to Martin, Condal initially said that Maelor’s birth would only be delayed until season three, but the plan is now for the prince to never be born at all, which Martin feels would have a detrimental butterfly effect on other parts of the plot. Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2024 The game features a butterfly effect system in which players must make choices that may change the story. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2024 According to the butterfly effect, a small flutter in one corner of the globe can profoundly impact the opposite side of the world. Molly Matthews, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for butterfly effect 

Word History

First Known Use

1976, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of butterfly effect was in 1976

Dictionary Entries Near butterfly effect

Cite this Entry

“Butterfly effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/butterfly%20effect. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

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