aggregate

³ag·gre·gate

noun \ˈa-gri-gət\

Definition of AGGREGATE

1

: a mass or body of units or parts somewhat loosely associated with one another

2

: the whole sum or amount : sum total

3

a : a rock composed of mineral crystals of one or more kinds or of mineral rock fragments : an aggregate rock b : any of several hard inert materials (as sand, gravel, or slag) used for mixing with a cementing material to form concrete, mortar, or plaster c : a clustered mass of individual soil particles varied in shape, ranging in size from a microscopic granule to a small crumb, and considered the basic structural unit of soil

4

: set 21

5

: monetary aggregate

— in the aggregate

: considered as a whole : collectively <dividends for the year amounted in the aggregate to 25 million dollars>

Examples of AGGREGATE

1. <numerous episodes of pilferage, taken in the aggregate, can really add up to a significant sum>
2. In particular, a core of popular politically minded blogs known in the aggregate as the Blogosphere has been a beehive of furious activity. Or should I say a wasp's nest? —Steven Levy, Newsweek, 4 Oct. 2004
3. It's true that our lives are the aggregate of a lot of little things, that's precisely why, at least once a year, we need to ride the wave of something bigger and bolder than our own little humdrum existence. —Will Manley, Booklist, 1 Sept. 2002
4. Smallness of enterprises, as in the Japanese bicycle-manufacturing development, is an asset because smallness cuts down administrative and other overhead costs both in individual enterprises and in the aggregate, in comparison with the overhead costs of large operations. —Jane Jacobs, Cities and the Wealth of Nations, (1984) 1985

Origin of AGGREGATE

(see ¹aggregate)

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to AGGREGATE

Synonyms: whole, full, sum, summation, sum total, total, totality

Related Words: gross; completeness, comprehensiveness, cumulativeness, entirety; bulk, lion's share, mass; enchilada, schmear

Near Antonyms: net

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Other Geology Terms

anthracite, boulder, cwm, erratic, igneous, intrusive, mesa, sedimentary, silt, swale