Accretion (noun)
ak-ree-shun
an increase by natural growth or by gradual external addition; growth in size or extent.
First recorded in 1605–15; from Latin accrētiōn- (stem of accrētiō ), equivalent to accrēt(us), past participle of accrēscere “to grow” (ac- prefix meaning “toward” + crē- “grow” + -tus past participle suffix) + -iōn- noun suffix; see ac-, -ion
Example sentences
“It is the steady accretion of detail that may yet be the most damaging factor in the battle.”