1. a phenomenon in the sociology of science whereby established researchers receive more credit for a discovery than less well known researchers who may have made an equal or greater contribution. [first described by U.S. sociologist Robert K. Merton (1910–2003) and named for a verse in the Gospel according to St. Matthew: “For to everyone who has will be given, and he will have abundance, but from him who doesn’t have, even that which he has will be taken away” (25:29)]

2. in child development, the tendency for the difference between high and low performers (e.g., good and poor readers) to increase over time. Also called accumulated advantage. [described by Canadian psychologist Keith E. Stanovich]