Definition of "cumulative"

cumulative

/ˈkjuːmjʊlətɪv/

adjective
comparative more cumulative, superlative most cumulative
1. Incorporating all current and previous data up to the present or at the time of measuring or collating.
2. That is formed by an accumulation of successive additions.
  Quotations
  As for knowledge which man receiveth by teaching, it is cumulative, not original.
  1605, Francis Bacon, “(please specify |book=1 or 2)”, in The Twoo Bookes of Francis Bacon. Of the Proficience and Aduancement of Learning, Diuine and Humane, London: […] [Thomas Purfoot and Thomas Creede] for Henrie Tomes, […]
  The argument […] is in very truth not logical and single, but moral and cumulative.
  1850, Richard Chenevix Trench, Notes on the Miracles of Our Lord
  1. (linguistics) Adding one statement to another.
3. That tends to accumulate.
4. (finance) Having priority rights to receive a dividend that accrue until paid.
5. (law) (of evidence, witnesses, etc.) Intended to illustrate an argument that has already been demonstrated excessively.