cumulative effect

noun

: an effect produced by something happening over a long period of time
the cumulative effect(s) of smoking on the body

Examples of cumulative effect in a Sentence

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Some animal studies have shown that dyes are quickly metabolized and excreted through urine, but dyes may still have a cumulative effect on the body, Dr. Michael Hansen, a senior scientist at Consumer Reports, told CNN in January. Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2025 The long-term debt cycle is the cumulative effect of consecutive short-term cycles. Hersh Shefrin, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025 And yet, the cumulative effect of this literary and cultural exploration is anything but prescriptive (whatever the messages of some of the films themselves). Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 19 Feb. 2025 While her book is at times fragmentary and episodic, marked by abrupt discontinuities, the cumulative effect is powerful, eloquently testifying to the horrific consequences of this conflict. Rebecca Donner, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cumulative effect

Cite this Entry

“Cumulative effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cumulative%20effect. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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