accumulation

noun

ac·​cu·​mu·​la·​tion ə-ˌkyü-m(y)ə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce accumulation (audio)
Synonyms of accumulationnext
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

Synonyms of accumulation

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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.
There is an accumulation of black growth on the lid and metal chute inside of ice machine. — Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026 Catching the evidence The recordings of neuronal activity show the evidence accumulation in action. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 23 Oct. 2026 Additional snow accumulations of 2 to 6 inches with 8 to 10 inches along the highest mountain peaks. — Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026 This cancer is caused by the accumulation of certain genetic mutations that prevent rectal cells from repairing DNA damage and accounts for 5-10% of rectal cancers. — Alice Park, Time, 21 Oct. 2026 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

Phrases Containing accumulation

Rhymes for accumulation

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Browse Nearby Words

accumulated temperature
accumulation
accumulation factor
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Cite this Entry

“Accumulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accumulation. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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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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