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
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Going forward, the butterfly effect will have an exponential effect. 
Hunter Ingram, Variety, 12 Aug. 2022 In this case, the butterfly effect could be significant. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 4 June 2022 The butterfly effect, there for all to see in every roadside murmuration. New York Times, 11 Apr. 2022 Straub is not so much concerned with time travel mechanics, the butterfly effect, or killing baby Hitler (or whatever the 1990s equivalent of that moral test would be). Barbara Vandenburgh, USA TODAY, 15 May 2022 One explanation is the butterfly effect, when something as inconsequential as a butterfly flapping its wings sets off a chain reaction that creates a major event such as a hurricane—another name might be the law of unexpected consequences. Justin Doebele, Forbes, 22 Apr. 2022 In an increasingly interconnected media marketplace, the butterfly effect ensures that geopolitical disruption in one region is felt in other parts of the platform. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 1 Apr. 2022 In an odd occurrence of the butterfly effect, the bombing is the entire reason Balderrama pursued a career in law enforcement. Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2022 Your acts of kindness can produce the butterfly effect as your kind behavior triggers more kindness throughout the world. Womensmedia, Forbes, 13 Nov. 2021 See More
Hunter Ingram, Variety, 12 Aug. 2022 In this case, the butterfly effect could be significant. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 4 June 2022 The butterfly effect, there for all to see in every roadside murmuration. New York Times, 11 Apr. 2022 Straub is not so much concerned with time travel mechanics, the butterfly effect, or killing baby Hitler (or whatever the 1990s equivalent of that moral test would be). Barbara Vandenburgh, USA TODAY, 15 May 2022 One explanation is the butterfly effect, when something as inconsequential as a butterfly flapping its wings sets off a chain reaction that creates a major event such as a hurricane—another name might be the law of unexpected consequences. Justin Doebele, Forbes, 22 Apr. 2022 In an increasingly interconnected media marketplace, the butterfly effect ensures that geopolitical disruption in one region is felt in other parts of the platform. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 1 Apr. 2022 In an odd occurrence of the butterfly effect, the bombing is the entire reason Balderrama pursued a career in law enforcement. Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2022 Your acts of kindness can produce the butterfly effect as your kind behavior triggers more kindness throughout the world. Womensmedia, Forbes, 13 Nov. 2021 See More Word History
First Known Use
1976, in the meaning defined above
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