n.
Pronunciation: ə - ' kr ē -sh ə n
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin accretion-, accretio, from accrescere ― more at ACCRUE
Date: 1615
1 : the process of growth or enlargement by a gradual buildup: as a : increase by external addition or accumulation (as by adhesion of external parts or particles) b : the increase of land by the action of natural forces
2 : a product of accretion especially : an extraneous addition < accretion s of grime>
– ac · cre · tion · ary \ -sh ə - ˌ ner- ē , - ˌ ne-r ē \ adjective
– ac · cre · tive \ ə - ' kr ē -tiv \ adjective