accumulate [ə'kju:.mjʊ.leɪt] verb ADVANCED transitive ■to collect a large number of things over a long period of time 积累;积聚;积攒•As people accumulate more wealth, they tend to spend a greater proportion of their incomes.人们积累了更多财富后,他们的花费占收入的比重也往往会增加。 •The company said the debt was accumulated during its acquisition of nine individual businesses.该公司称其在收购九家个体公司的过程中,债务越积越多。 •We've accumulated so much rubbish over the years.多年来我们已经堆积了这么多的垃圾。 intransitive ■to gradually increase in number or amount 逐渐增加;逐渐升高•A thick layer of dust had accumulated in the room.房间里积了厚厚一层灰尘。 •If you don't sort out the papers on your desk on a regular basis they just keep on accumulating.如果你不去定期整理办公桌上的档,它们就会越积越多。 |