The word "cumulative" refers to something that increases or builds up over time through successive additions or accumulations. It often describes a quantity or effect that grows larger as more parts are added together, such as the total sum of several items or the overall influence of various factors.
The word "cumulative" comes from the Latin word "cumulativus," which is derived from "cumulare," meaning "to accumulate." The prefix "cum-" means "with" or "together," indicating the idea of gathering or piling up.