Cumulative \Cu"mu*la*tive\ (k?"m?-l?-t?v), a. [Cf. F. cumulatif.]

1. Composed of parts in a heap; forming a mass; aggregated. ``As for knowledge which man receiveth by teaching, it is cumulative, not original.'' --Bacon

2. Augmenting, gaining, or giving force, by successive additions; as, a cumulative argument, i. e., one whose force increases as the statement proceeds.

The argument . . . is in very truth not logical and single, but moral and cumulative. --Trench.

3. (Law)
   (a) Tending to prove the same point to which other evidence has been offered; -- said of evidence.
   (b) Given by same testator to the same legatee; -- said of a legacy. --Bouvier. --Wharton.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)