cumulate

American  

[kyoo-myuh-leyt, kyoo-myuh-lit, -leyt] / ˈkyu myəˌleɪt, ˈkyu myə lɪt, -ˌleɪt /

verb (used with object)

cumulated, cumulating

1. to heap up; amass; accumulate.

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adjective

1. heaped up.

cumulate British  

verb

1. to accumulate

2. (tr) to combine (two or more sequences) into one

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adjective

1. heaped up

Other Word Forms

• cumulately adverb
• cumulation noun
• decumulate verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of cumulate

1525–35; < Latin cumulātus (past participle of cumulāre to heap up, pile up, accumulate), equivalent to cumul ( us ) a heap, pile, mass, cumulus + -ātus -ate ¹

Example Sentences

During sleep, brain cells produce bursts of electrical pulses that cumulate into rhythmic waves -- a sign of heightened brain cell function.

From Science Daily • Feb. 28, 2024

Peters, B. J., Day, J. M. D. & Taylor, L. A. Early mantle heterogeneities in the Réunion hotspot source inferred from highly siderophile elements in cumulate xenoliths.

From Nature • Feb. 27, 2018

Sir Charles labored only to heap up the evidences of evolution; to cumulate them till the mass became irresistible.

From The Education of Henry Adams by Adams, Henry

This road passes through the central zone of the State, and, with its briearian arms, must cumulate untold wealth and power, only to be emptied into this "lap of empire."

From Minnesota; Its Character and Climate Likewise Sketches of Other Resorts Favorable to Invalids; Together With Copious Notes on Health; Also Hints to Tourists and Emigrants. by Bill, Ledyard

By this system a voter may cast as many votes for each of the candidates as he holds shares of stock, or he may distribute or cumulate his votes on a smaller number.

From Putnam's Handy Law Book for the Layman by Bolles, Albert Sidney