accrete

verb

ac·​crete ə-ˈkrēt How to pronounce accrete (audio)
accreted; accreting

intransitive verb

: to grow or become attached by accretion

transitive verb

: to cause to adhere or become attached
also : accumulate

Examples of accrete in a Sentence

silt accreting at the mouth of the river over time
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Unlike a supernova, which obliterates a star, a nova is just an explosion on the surface of a white dwarf that has gravitationally accreted too much matter from a companion star. Keith Cooper, Space.com, 8 July 2025 The portrait of their relationship comes in bits and pieces, but quickly accretes to one predominantly defined by gaslighting and emotional sabotage. Diana Arterian june 20, Literary Hub, 20 June 2025 In the simulation performed by Regan and colleagues, primordial black holes needed to grow by accreting matter, with black hole mergers taking a backseat in the process. Robert Lea, Space.com, 17 June 2025 The first pathway involves a vampire white dwarf gradually stealing material from a close companion star and accreting it onto its surface. Robert Lea, Space.com, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for accrete

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from accretion

First Known Use

1712, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of accrete was in 1712

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Accrete.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accrete. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

Legal Definition

accrete

verb
ac·​crete ə-ˈkrēt How to pronounce accrete (audio)
accreted; accreting

intransitive verb

: to grow or become attached by accretion

transitive verb

: to cause to adhere or become attached
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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