effectus papilionis
The English phrase "butterfly effect" is translated into Latin as effectus papilionis.
This term refers to the technical notion of sensitive dependence on initial conditions in chaos theory.
Meaning: technical notion of sensitive dependence on initial conditions in chaos theory (noun)
Did you know?
- The word papilionis comes from papilio, which in ancient Latin was used not only for butterflies but also for tents and pavilions because of their similar shape.
- In Latin, the word papilio is used for both the butterfly and the moth, meaning the 'butterfly effect' could technically be described as a 'moth effect' without changing the word.
- If you wanted to describe the 'result' of a butterfly's action rather than the abstract 'effect', you might use exitium if the result was destruction, playing on the chaotic nature of the theory.
Examples in context
- Hic effectus papilionis omnia mutare potest.This butterfly effect can change everything.
Example conversation
Two students are discussing a science textbook.
- AureliaQuid est effectus papilionis, Quinte?What is the butterfly effect, Quintus?
- QuintusEst mutatio parva quae magna eventa creat.It is a small change that creates great events.
- AureliaEstne hoc scientia chaos?Is this chaos science?
- QuintusIta, effectus papilionis est pars eius.Yes, the butterfly effect is part of it.
