accumulation
UK: əˌkjuːmjʊˈleɪʃən | US: əˌkjumjəˈleɪʃən
n. the process of gradually increasing in amount or quantity over time
n. a mass or quantity of something that has gradually gathered
accumulation = ac<to/toward> + cumul<pile/heap> + ation<noun suffix>
- ac (prefix): from Latin ad- ("to, toward"), assimilated to ac- before c-.
- cumul (root): from Latin cumulus ("heap, pile"), referring to a mass or collection.
- ation (suffix): Latin -atio, forming nouns indicating an action or process.
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin accumulare ("to heap up"), combining ad- (intensifying "toward") and cumulus ("heap"). It entered Middle English via Old French, retaining the core idea of gradual gathering. The suffix -ation formalizes the process into a noun, reflecting systematic growth (e.g., wealth, data, or debris).
The accumulation of dust on the shelves required weekly cleaning.
Over years, his investments led to a significant accumulation of wealth.
Glaciers form through the slow accumulation of snow and ice.
The report highlighted the accumulation of plastic waste in oceans.
Regular exercise prevents the accumulation of unhealthy fat.