accrete
UK: əˈkriːt | US: əˈkrit
v. to grow or accumulate gradually by the addition of external layers or parts
v. (astronomy) to form by the gradual accumulation of smaller particles
accrete = ac<to> + crete<grow>
- ac (prefix, from Latin ad- meaning "to, toward")
- crete (root, from Latin crescere meaning "to grow")
Etymology Origin:
The word accrete originates from Latin accretus, the past participle of accrescere ("to grow toward"). It combines ad- (indicating direction) and crescere ("to grow"), reflecting the idea of gradual growth through addition. This logical progression—from physical accumulation (e.g., geological layers) to abstract growth (e.g., knowledge)—mirrors the word’s scientific and general usage.
Sediment slowly accretes at the river delta over centuries.
The planet’s core accreted from cosmic dust and gas.
Wealth accretes through wise investments over time.
Coral reefs accrete as tiny organisms deposit calcium carbonate.
The committee’s power accreted as it absorbed smaller departments.