Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage

Date: 1600-1700
Language: Latin
Origin: cumulatus, past participle of cumulare; ACCUMULATE

cumulative

 adjective
     
cu‧mu‧la‧tive
increasing gradually as more of something is added or happens:
Learning is a cumulative process.
cumulative effect (of something)
Depression is often caused by the cumulative effects of stress and overwork.
Definition from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Advanced Learner's Dictionary.

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