aggregation

[ag-ri-gey-shuh n] /ˌæg rɪˈgeɪ ʃən/
noun
1.
a group or mass of distinct or varied things, persons, etc.:
an aggregation of complainants.
2.
collection into an unorganized whole.
3.
the state of being so collected.
4.
Biology, Ecology. a group of organisms of the same or different species living closely together but less integrated than a society.
Origin
1540-50; < Medieval Latin aggregātiōn- (stem of aggregātiō); see aggregate, -ion
Related forms
aggregational, adjective
reaggregation, noun
subaggregation, noun
Examples from the web for aggregation
  • The winning aggregation employed much open play that bewildered the visitors.
  • Such an initial aggregation need not choose pure democracy for its ongoing aggregation device.
  • The animals often return to the same aggregation sites after feeding.
  • The true consumer e-commerce revolution centers around aggregation and collaboration.
  • Exactly what this aggregation means for the biology of these animals is another matter.
  • Half of a penguin colony during the aggregation and huddling process.
  • It will get its power from information and aggregation.
  • The next step up the evolutionary ladder of news aggregation is the web-based newsreader.
  • aggregation turns embryonic mouse stem cells into mice.
  • As a matter of historical record, no such aggregation has ever taken place.
British Dictionary definitions for aggregation

aggregation

/ˌæɡrɪˈɡeɪʃən/
noun
1.
the act or process of aggregating
2.
(ecology) dispersion in which the individuals of a species are closer together than if they were randomly dispersed
Word Origin and History for aggregation
n.

early 15c., from Middle French agrégation or directly from Medieval Latin aggregationem (nominative aggregatio), noun of action from past participle stem of Latin aggregare (see aggregate (adj.)).

aggregation in Medicine

aggregation ag·gre·ga·tion (āg'rĭ-gā'shən)
n.
A massing together or clustering of independent but similar units, such as particles, parts, or bodies.

aggregation in Technology

programming
A composition technique for building a new object from one or more existing objects that support some or all of the new object's required interfaces.
(1996-01-07)