agglomerated

Agglomerated is an adjective meaning formed into a mass, cluster, or cohesive aggregate. The term derives from agglomerate, which comes from Latin agglomerare, from ad- “toward” and glomus “ball.” It is used across disciplines to describe materials or structures that are not in individual, dispersed form but rather bound or collected into a larger whole.

In geology, agglomerate refers to a volcanic rock composed of unsorted fragments such as bombs, blocks, and lapilli that are cemented together by ash or a glassy matrix. The rocks are typically formed from explosive ejecta that later compact into a single mass. The adjective agglomerated can describe these materials when they have become a cohesive unit.

In powder processing and materials science, agglomerated powders are created by joining fine particles into larger granules to improve flow, packing density, and handling. Methods include granulation, pelletization, spray-drying, and briquetting, often with binders. Agglomerated forms are common in catalysts, ceramics, pharmaceuticals, and cementitious products.

In urban and regional geography, agglomeration describes the clustering of people, firms, and activities in a city and its surrounding area. An agglomerated region shows high population and economic density, with associated infrastructure, services, and economies of scale.

In chemistry and environmental engineering, agglomeration can also refer to the process by which small particles clump into larger aggregates, such as during flocculation or sedimentation. The term thus spans natural materials, engineered powders, and spatial concentrations of activity.