accretion: Meaning and Definition of

ac•cre•tion

1. an increase by natural growth or by gradual external addition; growth in size or extent.
2. the result of this process.
3. an added part; addition: The last part of the legend is a later accretion.
4. the growing together of separate parts into a single whole.
5. increase of property by gradual natural additions, as of land by alluvion.