noun
accretion
uh-KREE-shun
Accretion (noun) means a gradual increase caused by new matter being added from outside. Example: “The reef grew through the slow accretion of coral and sand.”
noun
1
A gradual increase caused by new matter being added from outside.
"The reef grew through the slow accretion of coral and sand."
"Layers of dust are an accretion on the old shelves."
"The building is an accretion of extensions added over many years."
2
geology In geology, the build-up of new rock or sediment along the edge of a landmass or plate.
"Accretion at the plate edge built up new land over millions of years."
"The coastline changed through the accretion of river sediment."
"Geologists study accretion to understand how mountain ranges form."
3
astrophysics In astrophysics, the growth of planets, stars and other bodies as gravity draws matter together.
"Planets form through the accretion of dust and gas."
"Accretion onto a young star can release a great deal of energy."
"Scientists model the accretion of material around black holes."
How to use accretion
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSlow growth by new material being added on the outside.
When to use it
It is fairly formal and technical, common in science and law.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
accretion of matter
accretion disc
gradual accretion
accretion of sediment
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The reef grew through the slow _____ of coral and sand.
Etymology
English borrowed the word from Latin accrētiō, meaning increase. The Latin comes from accrēscō, meaning to grow.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for accretion
region
cation
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
See all rhymes for accretion →
Frequently asked questions
What does accretion mean?
Accretion is a gradual increase caused by new matter being added from outside. It is used in general writing, geology and astrophysics.
What is accretion in geology?
Geologists use it for new material piling onto the edge of a plate or coast, as at a subduction zone.
How do planets form by accretion?
Planets and other bodies grow as gravity pulls matter together and it gathers into a larger body.
What is the meaning of accretion?
"accretion" (noun) means a gradual increase caused by new matter being added from outside.
