accrete

 
Pronunciation: /əˈkriːt/

verb

[no object]
  • grow by accumulation or coalescence: ice that had accreted grotesquely into stalactites
  • [with object] form (a composite whole) by gradual accumulation: the collection of art he had accreted was to be sold
  • Astronomy (with reference to matter or a body) come or bring together under the influence of gravitation: [no object]: the gas will cool and then accrete to the galaxy’s core

Origin:

late 18th century: from Latin accret- 'grown', from the verb accrescere, from ad- 'to' + crescere 'grow'