Accretion

Accretion refers to the gradual accumulation of matter or growth by external addition. It describes a process where smaller particles, layers, or substances steadily build up and coalesce over time, resulting in an increase in size, mass, or complexity. This can occur in various contexts, from the slow geological layering of sediment to the financial accumulation of wealth through investment. Accretion emphasizes a gradual and additive process, often involving the adherence or joining of distinct elements to form a larger whole. It is also used in a business sense to describe increasing goodwill and market presence over time.

Accretion meaning with examples

• The coastline experienced significant Accretion due to the deposition of sand and sediment carried by the river currents, effectively extending the beach further into the sea over several years, attracting new wildlife.
• In astrophysics, Accretion disks form around black holes as gas and dust spirals inward, drawn by immense gravity, gradually adding mass to the black hole and emitting powerful radiation across the spectrum.
• The company's market share saw a slow but steady Accretion, resulting from consistent improvements in product quality, dedicated customer service, and strategic marketing initiatives that expanded its customer base.
• Over centuries, layers of paint Accretion transformed the canvas into a heavily textured surface, creating an almost sculptural quality, preserving hints of prior works under the visible top layer.