accumulation

noun

ac·​cu·​mu·​la·​tion ə-ˌkyü-m(y)ə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce accumulation (audio)
1
: something that has accumulated or has been accumulated
an impressive accumulation of knowledge
2
: the action or process of accumulating something : the state of being or having accumulated
the steady accumulation of snow
3
: increase or growth by addition especially when continuous or repeated
accumulation of interest

Examples of accumulation in a Sentence

a vast accumulation of evidence about the dangers of smoking the accumulation of leaves on the ground is proceeding at a much faster rate than my raking
Recent Examples on the Web The region saw slick roadways and up to 1.5 inches of snow accumulation in some areas Sunday, according to the National Weather Service. Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 10 Mar. 2024 There are the risks like infection or fluid accumulation at the incision site, and neck lifts also carry some of their own risks such as a rare nerve injury that may cause weakness of the lower lip or hair loss where the incision was made, according to the ASPS. Kirbie Johnson, Allure, 6 Mar. 2024 If magma accumulation continues at the same rate, the amount should reach the upper limit next week. Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 29 Feb. 2024 Heavy snow is expected, with accumulations between 6 to 12 inches. Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 29 Feb. 2024 Only minor snow accumulations are expected across the region. Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 27 Feb. 2024 The city saw minor accumulation of snowfall Monday, but the next chance of additional snowfall isn't expected until late Thursday afternoon. Leo Bertucci, The Courier-Journal, 23 Feb. 2024 Because it is based on the steady accumulation of mutations, this study raises a big and important question: was the rate of mutations steady? Grrlscientist, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2024 During that time period, the weather service is predicting snow accumulations of 2 to 4 feet for Lake Tahoe communities, with 4 to 8 feet of snowfall at spots above 7,000 feet. Sarah Linn, Sacramento Bee, 27 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'accumulation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French accumulacion, borrowed from Latin accumulātiōn-, accumulātiō, from accumulāre "to accumulate" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of accumulation was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near accumulation

Cite this Entry

“Accumulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accumulation. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

accumulation

noun
ac·​cu·​mu·​la·​tion ə-ˌkyü-myə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce accumulation (audio)
1
: a collecting together : amassing
2
: increase or growth by addition
3
: something accumulated : collection

Legal Definition

accumulation

noun
ac·​cu·​mu·​la·​tion
: increase or growth by addition especially when continuous or repeated
specifically : an increase in the amount of a fund or property by the continuous addition to it of the income or interest it generates
to treat a stock dividend as principal when local law classifies it as income may be deemed an accumulation W. M. McGovern, Jr. et al.
see also accumulation trust at trust

Note: Because they prevent the enjoyment and benefit of wealth, accumulations are deemed contrary to public policy. A provision in a will for an accumulation will be invalidated if found to be unreasonable by the court.

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