— accretive, accretionary , adj.
/euh kree"sheuhn/ , n.
1. an increase by natural growth or by gradual external addition; growth in size or extent.
2. the result of this process.
3. an added part; addition: The last part of the legend is a later accretion.
4. the growing together of separate parts into a single whole.
5. Law. increase of property by gradual natural additions, as of land by alluvion.
[ 1605-15; accretion- (s. of accretio ), equiv. to accret ( us ), ptp. of accrescere to grow ( ac- AC- + cre- grow + -tus ptp. suffix) + -ion- -ION ]