n.
Pronunciation: ' in- ˌ kr ē s, in- '
Function: noun
Date: 14th century
1 : the act or process of increasing: as a : addition or enlargement in size, extent, or quantity b obsolete : PROPAGATION
2 : something that is added to an original stock or amount by augmentation or growth (as offspring, produce, profit)
– on the increase : becoming greater (as in size, number, or amount) : INCREASING <crime is on the increase >