aggregate

1.

/ˈæɡrɪɡɪt/

a sum total of many heterogeneous things taken together

2.

/ˈægrɪˌgeɪt/

gather in a mass, sum, or whole

Other forms: aggregated; aggregates; aggregating; aggregately

To aggregate is to collect many units into one. If you're writing a novel, you might create a character who is an aggregate of five or six real people.

Aggregate comes from the Latin verb aggregare, which means to add to. As a verb it means to collect into a mass or whole. You can also use it as an adjective, as in your aggregate sales for February, March and April. It can also be a noun. The mountain of foam in bubble bath is an aggregate of small bubbles. If you plan to work in economics or business, expect to see the word aggregate quite a lot.

Definitions of aggregate (/ˈæɡrɪɡɪt/)

1. noun

   a sum total of many heterogenous things taken together
   synonyms: congeries, conglomeration

   type of:

   sum, sum total, summation

   the final aggregate
2. noun

   the whole amount
   synonyms: sum, total, totality

   type of:

   unit, whole

   an assemblage of parts that is regarded as a single entity
3. noun

   material such as sand or gravel used with cement and water to make concrete, mortar, or plaster
   type of:

   material, stuff

   the tangible substance that goes into the makeup of a physical object
4. adjective

   formed of separate units gathered into a mass or whole
   “aggregate expenses include expenses of all divisions combined for the entire year”

   synonyms: aggregated, aggregative, mass

   collective

   forming a whole or aggregate
5. adjective

   composed of a dense cluster of separate units such as carpels or florets or drupelets
   “raspberries are aggregate fruits”

   synonyms:

   multiple

   having or involving or consisting of more than one part or entity or individual