'accrete' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'accretus,' where 'ad-' meant 'to' and 'crescere' meant 'to grow.'

'accretus' transformed into the French word 'accréter,' and eventually became the modern English word 'accrete' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to grow together,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to grow or increase by gradual addition.'