accretion accretion /əˈkriʃən/

noun

1. () An increase by natural growth or addition  ( accretion , accumulation )
   an increase by natural growth or addition
     The planet grew through the process of accretion, gradually accumulating dust and gas.
   The planet grew through the process of accretion, gradually accumulating dust and gas.
   
2. (law) an increase in a beneficiary's share in an estate (as when a co-beneficiary dies or fails to meet some condition or rejects the inheritance)  ( accretion )
   (law) an increase in a beneficiary's share in an estate (as when a co-beneficiary dies or fails to meet some condition or rejects the inheritance)
   
3. (geology) an increase in land resulting from alluvial deposits or waterborne sediment  ( accretion )
   (geology) an increase in land resulting from alluvial deposits or waterborne sediment
   
4. (biology) growth by addition as by the adhesion of parts or particles  ( accretion )
   (biology) growth by addition as by the adhesion of parts or particles
   
5. (astronomy) the formation of a celestial object by the effect of gravity pulling together surrounding objects and gases  ( accretion )
   (astronomy) the formation of a celestial object by the effect of gravity pulling together surrounding objects and gases
    Accretion processes have led to the formation of many celestial bodies in our solar system.
   Accretion processes have led to the formation of many celestial bodies in our solar system.
   
   
6. Something contributing to growth or increase  ( accretion )
   something contributing to growth or increase
    He scraped away the accretions of paint
   he scraped away the accretions of paint
    The central city surrounded by recent accretions
   the central city surrounded by recent accretions