accretion

 
Pronunciation: /əˈkriːʃ(ə)n/

noun

[mass noun]
  • growth or increase by the gradual accumulation of additional layers or matter: the accretion of sediments in coastal mangroves figurative the growing accretion of central government authority
  • [count noun] a thing formed or added by gradual growth or increase: the city has a historic core surrounded by recent accretions
  • Astronomy the coming together and cohesion of matter under the influence of gravitation to form larger bodies: during the later stages of accretion the outer 100 km or so of the Moon melted

Derivatives

accretive

adjective

Origin:

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