aggregation
UK: ˌæɡrɪˈɡeɪʃən | US: ˌæɡrɪˈɡeɪʃən
n. the act of gathering or assembling into a mass or whole
n. (biology) a group of organisms of the same species living closely together
n. (computing) a collection of data from multiple sources into a single dataset
The word "aggregation" originates from Latin aggregare ("to add to a flock"), combining ad- (toward) and grex (flock, herd). The root greg- reflects the idea of grouping, seen in related words like "gregarious" (social) and "congregate" (to gather). Over time, the term expanded beyond literal flocks to abstract collections (e.g., data, ideas). The suffix -ation nominalizes the action of assembling.
The aggregation of data from various sensors improved the study’s accuracy.
Bird aggregations during migration are a spectacular sight.
The report presented an aggregation of expert opinions on climate change.
In programming, aggregation combines objects into a larger structure.
The aggregation of dust particles formed visible layers on the shelf.