Definition of "accumulate" in English

verb

1. (transitive) To heap up in a mass; to pile up; to collect or bring together (either literally or figuratively), often gradually and without active intent.

   • He wishes to accumulate a sum of money.

2. (intransitive) To gradually grow or increase in quantity or number.

   • With her company going bankrupt, her divorce, and a gambling habit, debts started to accumulate so she had to sell her house.

3. (education, dated) To take a higher degree at the same time with a lower degree, or at a shorter interval than usual.

adjective

1. (poetic, rare) Collected; accumulated.