Definitionv1
Error cascade: a chain of individually small errors that
Error cascade: a chain of individually small errors that compound through a coupled system into a catastrophic outcome, where the severity of the cascade is determined by the coupling of the system, not the magnitude of the initial error
Why This Is a Definition
This definition precisely establishes the semantic boundary of 'error cascade' by identifying its key components: small individual errors, compounding through a coupled system, resulting in catastrophic outcomes. It also correctly distinguishes the determining factor (coupling) from the common misconception (error magnitude). The definition is specific enough to distinguish it from related concepts like simple errors or system failures.