Accumulating

Accumulating is the act of gathering or increasing a quantity over time, resulting in a larger total. It can refer to tangible objects, quantities such as data or wealth, or abstract entities such as events or charges that accumulate gradually.

In mathematics and statistics, accumulation is seen in several related ideas. A running total or prefix sum represents accumulation of values in a sequence. An accumulation point (or limit point) is a value approached by a sequence. In probability, cumulative concepts appear in the cumulative distribution function, which measures the probability that a random variable does not exceed a given value.

In science and engineering, accumulation describes physical processes that add material or energy over time. Examples include the buildup of electrical charge on a capacitor, the deposition of dust or pollutants, and the growth of biomass in an ecosystem.

In finance and economics, accumulation refers to the gradual increase of wealth, capital, or assets through saving, investment, and compound growth. The term is used to describe accumulation phases in lifecycle planning, as well as the growth of investment funds that reinvest returns.

In everyday language, people talk about accumulating possessions, experiences, or evidence, emphasizing gradual growth rather than sudden change.