accumulate
verb uk/əˈkjuː.mjə.leɪt/ us/əˈkjuː.mjə.leɪt/
C2 [ T ]积累;积聚;积攒
to collect a large number of things over a long period of time
As people accumulate more wealth, they tend to spend a greater proportion of their incomes. 人们积累了更多财富后，他们的花费占收入的比重也往往会增加。
The company said the debt was accumulated during its acquisition of nine individual businesses. 该公司称其在收购9家个体公司的过程中，债务越积越多。
We've accumulated so much rubbish over the years. 多年来我们已经堆积了这么多的垃圾。
C2 [ I ]逐渐增加；逐渐升高
to gradually increase in number or amount
A thick layer of dust had accumulated in the room. 房间里积了厚厚一层灰尘。
If you don't go through the papers on your desk on a regular basis, they just keep on accumulating. 如果你不去定期整理办公桌上的文件，它们就会越积越多。
- More examples
- It can be dangerous to let too much soot accumulate inside a chimney.
- During a successful business career, she accumulated a great amount of wealth.
- After a long career in the antiques trade, Harry had accumulated many rare treasures.
- During our six years in this house, we seem to have accumulated an awful lot of junk.
- Why don't you just do a little ironing every now and then, instead of letting it accumulate?