In chaos theory, the butterfly effect is the sensitive dependence on initial conditions in which a small change in one state of a deterministic nonlinear system can result in large differences in a later state.1
The term, closely associated with the work of Edward Lorenz, is derived from the metaphorical example of the details of a tornado (the exact time of formation, the exact path taken) being influenced by minor perturbations such as the flapping of the wings of a distant butterfly several weeks earlier. Lorenz discovered the effect when he observed that runs of his weather model with initial condition data that was rounded in a seemingly inconsequential manner would fail to reproduce the results of runs with the unrounded initial condition data. A very small change in initial conditions had created a significantly different outcome.
The term, closely associated with the work of Edward Lorenz, is derived from the metaphorical example of the details of a tornado (the exact time of formation, the exact path taken) being influenced by minor perturbations such as the flapping of the wings of a distant butterfly several weeks earlier. Lorenz discovered the effect when he observed that runs of his weather model with initial condition data that was rounded in a seemingly inconsequential manner would fail to reproduce the results of runs with the unrounded initial condition data. A very small change in initial conditions had created a significantly different outcome.
by ... Zjdbckdnznsjd September 23, 2019
Get the Butterfly effectmug. Some might say roast beef, or pastrami, I prefer to liken it to the glorious butterfly a taco butterfly
by _glitch February 21, 2015
Get the taco butterflymug. A person that was crazy and partied a lot until they got into a relationship and have now become a lump like a catipillar.
by Mad city June 28, 2017
Get the Backwards butterflymug. To play yourself romantically, helping your friend to hook up with other person, only to realize too late that you have a crush on him/her.
"Aw, man. I helped Alicia to date Bob but now I realized that I have a crush on her!"
"Did you just pull a Star Butterfly?"
"Did you just pull a Star Butterfly?"
by apeironitis March 7, 2017
Get the star butterflymug. by Be honest bro December 10, 2022
Get the butterfly effectmug. A girl who appears meek and submissive, but is actually dominant and assertive once she has her partner in a compromising position.
The opposite of a paper tiger.
The opposite of a paper tiger.
Watch out for that girl, I heard she's an Iron Butterfly. My friend thought she was a sub, but she had him by the balls once his guard was down.
by Lauren lpsum August 3, 2023
Get the Iron Butterflymug. by NewlyHappy June 8, 2020
Get the ghetto butterflymug.