verb
- to grow or increase gradually by the addition of new layers or matter
Usage: often used in scientific contexts
Examples
- Sediment accretes on the ocean floor over millions of years.
- The planet began to accrete from cosmic dust and debris.
- Ice accretes on the airplane’s wings during winter flights.
- Coral reefs accrete slowly as new polyps build upon old ones.
- The company’s debt continued to accrete despite cost-cutting measures.
- Barnacles accrete on the ship’s hull during long voyages.