accretion (redirected from accretionary)

accretion /ac·cre·tion/ (ah-kre´shun)

1. growth by addition of material.

2. accumulation.

3. adherence of parts normally separated.

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ac·cre·tion (-krshn)

n.

1. Growth or increase in size by gradual external addition, fusion, or inclusion.

2. Increase by addition to the periphery of material of the same nature as that already present, as in the growth of crystals. Also called accrementition.

3. Foreign material, such as plaque or calculus, collecting on the surface of a tooth or in a cavity.

4. The growing together or adherence of body parts that are normally separate.

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accretion

[əkrē′shən]

Etymology: L, accrescere, to increase

1 growth by the addition of material similar to that already present.

2 the adherence or growing together of parts that are normally separated.

3 an accumulation of foreign material, especially within a cavity. accrete, v., accretive, adj.

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accretion

1. growth by addition of material.

2. accumulation.

3. adherence of parts normally separated.