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accumulation

n.
US //əkˌjumjəˈɫeɪʃən// UK //ɐkjˌuːmjʊlˈeɪʃən// ac·cu·mu·la·tion
  1. 1 the process of gathering (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the way something grows into a large amount or a pile over time.

    the gradual growth or increase of something through a continuous process of addition.

    Example

    The accumulation of dust on the old books showed that no one had touched them for years.

    Example

    The slow accumulation of evidence eventually allowed the investigators to build a solid case against the corporation.

    Usage

    Often used with 'of' to describe what is being gathered.
  2. 2 a collected mass (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a pile or a large amount of something that has been collected.

    a mass or quantity of something that has been gathered or piled up.

    Example

    There was a dangerous accumulation of snow on the roof after the storm.

    Example

    The city struggled to manage the massive accumulation of waste following the week-long strike by sanitation workers.
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  1. 3 financial growth (n.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Finance

    the way money or wealth grows by adding interest or savings over time.

    the continuous growth of capital through the retention of interest, dividends, or additional savings.

    Example

    He focused on the accumulation of wealth during his younger years to retire early.

    Example

    The long-term accumulation of capital is essential for firms looking to fund major infrastructure projects without external borrowing.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the context of 'wealth accumulation' or 'capital accumulation'.
  2. 4 buying assets (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Finance

    when investors buy a lot of a stock or asset because the price is low.

    the act of investors purchasing a large volume of an asset, typically when prices are perceived as undervalued.

    Example

    The stock is currently in a phase of accumulation by large banks.

    Example

    Market analysts noted a period of steady accumulation by institutional investors before the sudden price breakout in early March.
  3. 5 taking two degrees (n.)
    C2 Proficiency British English Archaic Education

    an old system where a student could study for two high-level degrees at the same time.

    the historical practice of pursuing two higher academic degrees simultaneously to shorten the total duration of study.

    Example

    In the nineteenth century, accumulation allowed him to finish his studies much faster.

    Example

    The statutes of the university once permitted the accumulation of degrees, though the practice was eventually abolished to ensure academic rigour.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is historical and specific to older British university systems; it is rarely encountered in modern contexts.

Origin

From Middle English acumulacyon, from Middle French accumulation and its etymon, Latin accumulātiō, accumulātiōnis. By surface analysis, accumulate + -ion. First attested in the late 15th century. Doublet of accumulatio.

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