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
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.
Another critical transition also occurs at a specific point in time in the process by which normal cells are transformed into cancer cells, as the result of an accumulation of both genetic and epigenetic changes. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025 Crews of men have been engaged this week removing the winter’s accumulation of refuse. Kay Johnson, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025 An ice storm warning has been issued for the Appalachian Mountains from West Virginia to Pennsylvania, where significant ice accumulation is possible. Max Golembo, ABC News, 5 Feb. 2025 Around 1 inch is expected for the southern half of NYC metro and Long Island, though forecasters say snow accumulation could be slightly higher if the warm air overhead is slower to move. Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 5 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for accumulation 

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 21 Feb. 2025.

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.

More from Merriam-Webster on accumulation

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