Meaning

(intransitive) To grow together, combine; to fuse..

Definitions by Sense

1. (intransitive) To grow together, combine; to fuse.
2. (intransitive) To adhere; to grow or to be added to gradually.
3. (transitive) To make adhere; to add; to make larger or more, as by growing.
4. Characterized by accretion; made up.
5. (botany) Grown together.

Example Sentences

Astronomers believe the Earth began to accrete more than 4.6 billion years ago.

According to the reigning hypothesis, about 4.5 billion years ago, shortly after Earth had accreted down into a sphere from its little slub of circumsolar material, another newborn planet [Theia], still shaky on its feet, slammed obliquely into Earth with terrifying force.

Chris Ormel, an astronomer at the University of Amsterdam, and his colleagues recently calculated that protoplanets began to form at the snow line around the star, then grew quickly by accreting pebbles.

the reader has not only mastered this distinction , but that he has so thoroughly accreted it and assimilated it to his habits of mind

accrete matter

Fruit coriaceous, crowned with accrete calyx

Word Forms

• accretes
• accreting
• accreted

Synonyms for accrete

Related Words

When Should You Use Accrete?

Use accrete when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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