definition of
accretion

[1] #1 accretion n. [accumulation] an increase by natural growth or addition. wn

[2] #2 accretion n. something contributing to growth or increase; "he scraped away the accretions of paint"; "the central city surrounded by recent accretions". wn

[3] #3 accretion n. (astronomy) the formation of a celestial object by the effect of gravity pulling together surrounding objects and gases. wn

[4] #4 accretion n. (biology) growth by addition as by the adhesion of parts or particles. wn

[5] #5 accretion n. (geology) an increase in land resulting from alluvial deposits or waterborne sediment. wn