acrescent

Acrescent is a historical English term used as both a verb and an adjective to mean to increase, grow, or become more pronounced. In its verb sense it denotes a process of growth or augmentation; in its adjective sense it describes something that is increasing in size or intensity. The word is now largely obsolete in everyday use and is encountered mainly in historical texts, glossaries, or discussions of etymology.

Etymology and forms: Acrescent derives from Latin accrescere, meaning to grow, via the present participle accrescens. It passed into English through Old French accrescent. The more common modern form is accrescent, while acrescent survives as a variant spelling found in older sources.

Usage and status: Today, acrescent is considered archaic or regional, with the modern spelling accrescent preferred in scholarly and general usage. When it appears, the sense emphasizes gradual growth in size, amount, or intensity rather than an act of adding separate parts.

See also: accrescent, accretion, increase.

Notes: The term appears primarily in historical dictionaries and linguistic discussions. Its rarity in contemporary English makes it of interest mainly to etymologists, lexicographers, and readers studying older literature.