/ əˈkjuːmjəleɪt; NAmE / verb
1.
[ vn ] to gradually get more and more of sth over a period of time
SYN amass :
I seem to have accumulated a lot of books.
By investing wisely she accumulated a fortune.
➡ note at collect
2.
[ v ] to gradually increase in number or quantity over a period of time
SYN build up :
Debts began to accumulate.
➡ note at collect
► ac·cu·mu·la·tion / əˌkjuːmjəˈleɪʃn; NAmE / noun [ U , C ]:
the accumulation of wealth
an accumulation of toxic chemicals
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WORD ORIGIN
late 15th cent.: from Latin accumulat- heaped up, from the verb accumulare , from ad- to + cumulus a heap.