noun

aggregation

ag-rih-GAY-shun/ˌæɡrɪˈɡeɪʃn/

The gathering or combining of separate items into a whole.

The aggregation of pebbles in a bowl creates a single collection.

Many individual rounded pebbles gathered together in one shallow bowl, a few separate pebbles just outside, collection/grouping clear.

Etymology

agLatinto

+gregLatingather into a flock

+ationLatinaction or process

Gathering into a flock broadened to collecting things together. The action noun also came to name the resulting combined whole, which explains its use for a collection of separate things.

In context

Libranima397:52

an immense aggregation of bailiwicks and seignories crossing each other all over the city, interfering with each other, entangled in one another

The Hunchback of Notre-Dame - Hugo (Illustrated Audiobook) Part 2 of 2

More examples

The aggregation of survey responses reveals patterns across neighborhoods.
This software simplifies the aggregation of sales figures from different stores.
The aggregation of tiny particles produces larger clumps.

Forms

aggregation · aggregations

aggregate verb — To gather separate things into a whole.

Similar words

collection: Emphasizes gathering items, without necessarily combining them into a whole.
consolidation: Emphasizes merging separate parts into a more unified whole.
accumulation: Emphasizes gradual buildup rather than combining separate items.