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.
Instead, existing plaque levels seemed to be a better predictor of future plaque accumulation. Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 2025 This visceral fat is strongly linked to insulin resistance, inflammation, and a higher risk of fat accumulation in the liver.1 If a postmenopausal woman doesn’t experience overweight or metabolic syndrome, would her changing hormones still put her at greater risk for MASLD? Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 7 Apr. 2025 Inspectors found slime and residue accumulation inside the top panel ice machine. Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2025 Miami will be without Sergio Busquets, who is suspended for yellow card accumulation. Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 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

Cite this Entry

“Accumulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accumulation. Accessed 13 Apr. 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.

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