verb
accumulate
uh-KYOO-myuh-layt/əˈkjuːmjəleɪt/
To gather or increase gradually over time.
Coins accumulate in the savings jar through repeated small additions.
Etymology
The image is of heaping things up, with the prefix perhaps adding emphasis. This concrete act became a way to describe things gathering or growing in size or number.
In context
so a healthy normal functioning eye is going to accumulate the salt this mucus the water in the corner of the eyes just when you wake up
More examples
- She has accumulated years of experience in the laboratory.
- Dust is accumulating on the unused equipment.
- The charity accumulates supplies throughout the winter.
Forms
accumulate · accumulates · accumulated · accumulating