An accretion is an addition to something, usually one that has been added over a period of time.
[formal]
The script has been gathering editorial accretions for years.
2. uncountable noun
Accretion is the process of new layers or parts being added to something so that it increases in size.
[formal]
A coral reef is built by the accretion of tiny, identical organisms. [+ of]
More Synonyms of accretion
accretion in British English
(əˈkriːʃən)
noun
1.
any gradual increase in size, as through growth or external addition
2.
something added, esp extraneously, to cause growth or an increase in size
3.
the growing together of normally separate plant or animal parts
4. pathology
a.
abnormal union or growing together of parts; adhesion
b.
a mass of foreign matter collected in a cavity
5. law
an increase in the share of a beneficiary in an estate, as when a co-beneficiary fails to take his or her share
6. astronomy
the process in which matter under the influence of gravity is attracted to and increases the mass of a celestial body. The matter usually forms an accretion disc around the accreting object
7. geology
the process in which a continent is enlarged by the tectonic movement and deformation of the earth's crust
Derived forms
accretive (acˈcretive) or accretionary (acˈcretionary)
adjective
Word origin
C17: from Latin accretiō increase, from accrēscere. See accrue
accretion in American English
(əˈkriʃən)
noun
1.
growth in size, esp. by addition or accumulation
2.
a growing together of parts normally separate
3.
accumulated matter
the accretion of earth on the shore
4.
a part added separately; addition
5.
a whole resulting from such growth or accumulation
6. Law
the addition of soil to land by gradual, natural deposits
Derived forms
accretive (acˈcretive) (əˈkritɪv)
adjective
Word origin
L accretio < accrescere, to increase < ad-, to + crescere, to grow: see crescent
Synonyms of 'accretion'
growth, increase, growing, development
More Synonyms of accretion
(noun)
Definition
a gradual increase in size, through growth or addition
The larger the animal, the greater the accretion of poison in the fat.
Synonyms
growth
the unchecked growth of the country's population
increase
a sharp increase in productivity
growing
development
the development of the embryo
addition
This book is a worthy addition to the series.
expansion
the rapid expansion of private health insurance
supplement
evolution
a crucial period in the evolution of modern physics
heightening
proliferation
the proliferation of nuclear weapons
accumulation
The rate of accumulation decreases with time.
enlargement
There is insufficient space for the enlargement of the buildings.