'accumulative' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'accumulativus,' where 'ad-' meant 'toward' and 'cumulare' meant 'to heap up.'

'accumulativus' transformed into the French word 'accumulatif,' and eventually became the modern English word 'accumulative' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to heap up or gather,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'characterized by gradual accumulation or increase.'