Accrementition

/ˌækrəmɛnˈtɪʃən/ noun

Definition

The geological process of gradual increase or growth through external addition of material, as in coral reefs or sedimentary rocks.

Etymology

From Latin 'accretio' (growth by addition) with the suffix '-ition' (state or process of), creating a noun that describes processes of natural accumulation studied in geology and paleontology.

Kelly Says

Geologists use this word to describe how the Earth's crust actually grows—through slow, patient accrementition, material from one place gets stuck to another, creating new landscape over millions of years.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.