noun
conglomeration
kuhn-glah-muh-RAY-shuhn/kənˌɡlɑːməˈreɪʃn/
The gathering of varied parts into one larger whole.
A conglomeration of buttons, keys, stones, spools, and shells forms a mound.
Etymology
The pieces evoke gathering things together into a ball or mass. The noun shifted from the act of gathering to the resulting collection itself.
In context
they use the term ecosystem because it really is a whole conglomeration of different types of actors
More examples
- Her desk holds a conglomeration of notes and office supplies.
- The festival features a lively conglomeration of music, food, and crafts.
- The merger completes the conglomeration of several smaller companies.
Forms
conglomeration · conglomerations
conglomerate verb — To combine varied parts into one whole.
Similar words
- collection
- A general grouping, without necessarily emphasizing variety or combination.
- assemblage
- Emphasizes things brought together, often remaining recognizable as separate parts.
- aggregation
- Emphasizes accumulation into a group rather than variety among parts.