Other forms: accreted; accreting; accretes
To accrete is to gradually gather into a pile or grow together into a mass. When tiny dust particles slowly accumulate under your bed, they may accrete into a big dust bunny.
The word accrete describes how small particles or elements slowly come together to form a larger mass. This term is often used in science to explain processes like the formation of planets or stars, where bits of matter accrete and build up over time. You can also think of how snowflakes accumulate on the ground, creating a thick layer of snow. The word comes from the Latin accretus, which means "grown together," highlighting the natural process of accumulation in our universe.