Definition of cumulative

The word "cumulative" has its roots in Latin. It comes from the word "cumulare," which means "to heap up" or "to accumulate." This Latin word is derived from "cumulus," meaning "heap" or "pile," and the suffix "-are," which is a verb-forming suffix. In English, the word "cumulative" was first used in the 15th century to describe something that accumulates or increases in amount or degree over time. This could refer to physical quantities, such as money or objects, or also to intangible things, such as knowledge or experience. Over time, the meaning of "cumulative" has expanded to include the idea of gradual growth or increase, as well as the idea of adding new elements or units together to form a larger whole. Today, the word is commonly used in a variety of fields, including mathematics, science, and business.