Noun

The power to affect, control or manipulate something or someone; the ability to change the development of fluctuating things such as conduct, thoughts or decisions.

* {{quote-magazine, date=2013-07-26, author=(Leo Hickman)

, volume=189, issue=7, page=26, magazine=(The Guardian Weekly) , title= How algorithms rule the world , passage=The use of algorithms in policing is one example of their increasing influence on our lives. And, as their ubiquity spreads, so too does the debate around whether we should allow ourselves to become so reliant on them – and who, if anyone, is policing their use.}}

An action exerted by a person or thing with such power on another to cause change.

A person or thing exerting such power or action.

* {{quote-magazine, year=2013, month=May-June, author= Katrina G. Claw

, title= Rapid Evolution in Eggs and Sperm , volume=101, issue=3, magazine=(American Scientist) , passage=Many genes with reproductive roles also have antibacterial and immune functions, which indicate that the threat of microbial attack on the sperm or egg may be a major influence on rapid evolution during reproduction.}}

(astrology) An element believed to determine someone's character or individual tendencies, caused by the position of the stars and planets at the time of one's birth.

(obsolete) The action of flowing in; influx.

* Hooker

God hath his influence into the very essence of all things.

(electricity) Electrostatic induction.

Noun

The result or outcome of a cause. See below.

*

, title=(The Celebrity), chapter=1 , passage=The stories did not seem to me to touch life. They were plainly intended to have a bracing moral effect , and perhaps had this result for the people at whom they were aimed.}}

* {{quote-book, year=1963, author=(Margery Allingham), title=(The China Governess)

, chapter=1 citation , passage=The half-dozen pieces […] were painted white and carved with festoons of flowers, birds and cupids. […]  The bed was the most extravagant piece.  Its graceful cane halftester rose high towards the cornice and was so festooned in carved white wood that the effect was positively insecure, as if the great couch were trimmed with icing sugar.}}

* {{quote-magazine, date=2013-06-08, volume=407, issue=8839, page=55, magazine=(The Economist)

, title= Obama goes troll-hunting , passage=The solitary, lumbering trolls of Scandinavian mythology would sometimes be turned to stone by exposure to sunlight. Barack Obama is hoping that several measures announced on June 4th will have a similarly paralysing effect on their modern incarnation, the patent troll.}}

Impression left on the mind; sensation produced.

* J. C. Shairp

patchwork introduced for oratorical effect

* Washington Irving

The effect was heightened by the wild and lonely nature of the place.

(filmology) An illusion produced by technical means (as in "special effect")

(sound engineering) An alteration in sound after it has been produced by an instrument.

(sound engineering) A device for producing an alteration in sound produced by an instrument.

Execution; performance; realization; operation.

* Shakespeare

That no compunctious visitings of nature / Shake my fell purpose, nor keep peace between / The effect and it.

# (uncountable) The state of being binding and enforceable, as in a rule, policy, or law.

A scientific phenomenon, usually named after its discoverer.

(usually plural) Belongings, usually as personal effects.

Consequence intended; purpose; meaning; general intent; with to .

* Bible, Chron. xxxiv. 22

They spake to her to that effect .

(obsolete) Reality; actual meaning; fact, as distinguished from mere appearance.

* Denham

no other in effect than what it seems

(obsolete) Manifestation; expression; sign.

* Shakespeare

All the large effects / That troop with majesty.