accretion Definition
- 1the process of growth or increase, typically by the gradual accumulation of additional layers or matter
- 2the coming together and cohesion of matter under the influence of gravitation to form larger bodies
Using accretion: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "accretion" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The accretion of sediment forms new land.
Example
The star was formed by the accretion of gas and dust.
Example
The company's success was due to the accretion of small improvements over time.
accretion Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for accretion
Phrases with accretion
a structure formed by material falling onto a compact object, such as a black hole or neutron star, and orbiting around it
Example
The accretion disk around the black hole is a source of intense radiation.
a wedge-shaped mass of sediment that has been scraped off the top of a subducting oceanic plate and accreted onto the overriding continental plate
Example
The Himalayas were formed by the collision of two tectonic plates and the subsequent accretionary wedge.
a wedge-shaped mass of sediment that has been scraped off the top of a subducting oceanic plate and accreted onto the overriding continental plate
Example
The Aleutian Islands were formed by the subduction of the Pacific Plate beneath the North American Plate and the subsequent accretionary prism.
Origins of accretion
from Latin 'accretionem', meaning 'an increasing'
Summary: accretion in Brief
'Accretion' [əˈkriːʃ(ə)n] refers to the process of growth or increase, typically by the gradual accumulation of additional layers or matter. It can also refer to the coming together and cohesion of matter under the influence of gravitation to form larger bodies. Examples include the accretion of sediment forming new land and the accretion of gas and dust forming a star. Phrases like 'accretion disk,' 'accretionary wedge,' and 'accretionary prism' denote specific geological formations.
