Agglomerate: meaning, definitions and examples

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agglomerate

 

[ əˈɡlɒməreɪt ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

to collect together

To agglomerate means to gather or cluster together into a mass or group. This process can occur in various contexts, such as in chemistry where particles accumulate, or in business where companies merge. Agglomeration is significant in urban planning as it can lead to the growth of cities or economies. The term implies a physical or metaphorical coming together of elements or entities.

Synonyms

cluster, conglomerate, gather

Examples of usage

  • The dust particles began to agglomerate into larger clumps.
  • The merger caused many smaller firms to agglomerate into one larger company.
  • Economic factors can cause businesses to agglomerate in certain regions.
Context #2 | Noun

a collected mass

An agglomerate refers to a collection or mass formed by particles or substances that come together. It is often used in geological contexts to describe rock formations that consist of fragments hardened together, as well as in industrial applications referring to aggregates. The term also highlights the importance of cohesion among its components in forming a unified structure.

Synonyms

aggregate, cluster, mass

Examples of usage

  • The agglomerate was tested for its strength and durability.
  • This geological site contains various types of agglomerate rock.
  • The agglomerate of different materials was used in construction.

Translations

Translations of the word "agglomerate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aglomeração

🇮🇳 संघटन करना

🇩🇪 Agglomerat

🇮🇩 agregat

🇺🇦 агломерат

🇵🇱 aglomeraat

🇯🇵 アグロメリート

🇫🇷 aggloméré

🇪🇸 aglomerado

🇹🇷 aglomerat

🇰🇷 응집체

🇸🇦 تكتل

🇨🇿 aglomerát

🇸🇰 aglomerát

🇨🇳 聚集体

🇸🇮 aglomerat

🇮🇸 samanstæðingur

🇰🇿 агломерат

🇬🇪 აგლომერატი

🇦🇿 aglomera

🇲🇽 aglomerado

Etymology

The word 'agglomerate' originated in the early 19th century, derived from the Latin term 'agglomerare', which means 'to gather into a ball'. The prefix 'ad-' means 'to' or 'toward', while 'glomerare' comes from 'glomus', meaning 'a ball' or 'ball of yarn'. Initially, it was used in a scientific context, particularly in geology and chemistry, to describe the process of particles sticking together. Over time, its usage expanded to include various fields such as economics, urban studies, and material sciences, reflecting the growing interest in how entities collectively form larger structures or systems. Today, it signifies both a process and an outcome, illustrating the dynamic nature of aggregation across different disciplines.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,277, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.