accretion

noun

1. an increase by natural growth or addition

Similar word(s): accumulation

Definition categories: process, growth, increase, increment

2. something contributing to growth or increase

- he scraped away the accretions of paint

- the central city surrounded by recent accretions

Definition categories: quantity, addition, gain, increase

3. (astronomy) the formation of a celestial object by the effect of gravity pulling together surrounding objects and gases

Definition categories: process, growth, increase, increment

4. (biology) growth by addition as by the adhesion of parts or particles

Definition categories: process, growth, increase, increment

5. (geology) an increase in land resulting from alluvial deposits or waterborne sediment

Definition categories: process, growth, increase, increment

6. (law) an increase in a beneficiary's share in an estate (as when a co-beneficiary dies or fails to meet some condition or rejects the inheritance)

Definition categories: possession, heritage, inheritance