Word of the Week

ac·cre·tion[əˈkrēSH(ə)n]

NOUN

the process of growth or increase, typically by the gradual accumulation of additional layers or matter.”the accretion of sediments in coastal mangroves” · “the growing accretion of central government authority”

synonyms:

accumulation · collecting · gathering · amassing · cumulation · accrual · growth · formation · enlargement · increase · gain · augmentation · rise · mushrooming · snowballing · amassment thing formed or added by gradual growth or increase.” the city has a historic core surrounded by recent accretions” · “about one-third of California was built up by accretions”

synonyms:

addition · extension · growth · appendage · add-on · supplement astronomy the coming together and cohesion of matter under the influence of gravitation to form larger bodies

ORIGIN

early 17th century: from Latin accretio(n-), from accrescere ‘become larger’ ( see accrete).