Main Entry: ²in·crease

Pronunciation: \ˈin-ˌkrēs, in-ˈ\

Function: noun

Date: 14th century

1 : the act or process of increasing: as a : addition or enlargement in size, extent, or quantity b obsolete : propagation
2 : something that is added to an original stock or amount by augmentation or growth (as offspring, produce, profit)

— on the increase : becoming greater (as in size, number, or amount) : increasing <crime is on the increase>