cascade effect
nounUK /kæˈskeɪd ɪˈfekt/
US /kæˈskeɪd ɪˈfekt/
A cascade effect is when one small thing happens and it makes many other things happen, like falling dominoes.
The broken traffic light caused a cascade effect that made the whole street late for school.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. In science, a series of events where each one causes the next, such as a waterfall of energy or particles.
The scientist explained the cascade effect of electrons moving through the material.
3. In money and business, a situation where one problem makes prices or jobs fall one after another.
The factory closing had a cascade effect on the town's shops and jobs.
4. In nature, a change that spreads through a whole ecosystem, affecting many plants and animals.
Removing the wolves had a cascade effect on the river and the deer.