n., adj., & v.
--n.
1. a collection of, or the total of, disparate elements.
2 pieces of crushed stone, gravel, etc. used in making concrete.
3 a Geol. a mass of minerals formed into solid rock. b a mass of particles.
--adj.
1. (of disparate elements) collected into one mass.
2 constituted by the collection of many units into one body.
3 Bot. a (of fruit) formed from several carpels derived from the same flower (e.g. raspberry). b (of a species) closely related.
--v.
1. tr. & intr. collect together; combine into one mass.
2 tr. colloq. amount to (a specified total).
3 tr. unite (was aggregated to the group).
Phrases and idioms:
in the aggregate as a whole.
Derivatives:
aggregation n. aggregative adj.
Etymology: L aggregare aggregat- herd together (as AD-, grex gregis flock)