Aggregate vs. Agglomerate: What's the Difference?
By Harlon Moss || Updated on May 23, 2024
"Aggregate" refers to a whole formed by combining various elements, while "agglomerate" denotes a cluster or mass of particles or parts loosely bound together.
Key Differences
"Aggregate" describes a collection of items that are gathered together to form a total. For example, in construction, aggregate materials like sand and gravel are combined to make concrete. This term highlights the idea of a unified whole created from diverse components. "Agglomerate," on the other hand, refers to a cluster or mass of particles or elements that are loosely connected. In geology, for example, volcanic rocks can form agglomerates, where the individual pieces are not tightly bound. It suggests a collection where the components retain their individual identities more distinctly.
"Aggregate" is often used in contexts where the components are combined to create a functional or structural whole. In economics, for instance, aggregate demand represents the total demand for goods and services in an economy. This usage implies a more integrated and cohesive combination. "Agglomerate" conveys a sense of clustering without a strong binding force. In industrial processes, agglomeration might refer to the clustering of fine particles into larger lumps, which can then be more easily handled. It suggests a loose connection rather than a tightly integrated whole.
"Aggregate" emphasizes the result of bringing elements together into a single, unified entity. For example, data aggregation involves compiling information from various sources into a comprehensive dataset. It implies an organized and purposeful combination. "Agglomerate" highlights the formation of a mass where the individual elements remain somewhat separate. In social contexts, people might agglomerate into groups at a party, indicating they gather together but remain distinct individuals. It emphasizes the clustering aspect rather than unification.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A whole formed by combining various elements
A cluster or mass of loosely bound parts
Usage Context
Construction, economics, data
Geology, industry, social gatherings
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Integration
Implies a unified, cohesive whole
Suggests loose connection or clustering
Example
Aggregate materials in concrete
Volcanic rock agglomerates
Emphasis
Unified entity
Clustering of individual elements
Aggregate and Agglomerate Definitions
Aggregate
Formed by the collection of units or particles into a body, mass, or amount.
The aggregate cost of the project was higher than expected.
Agglomerate
To gather into a mass or cluster.
Small businesses tend to agglomerate in urban areas.
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Aggregate
Composed of a mixture of various elements.
The concrete was made from an aggregate of sand, gravel, and cement.
Agglomerate
Clustered but not coherently bound together.
The particles agglomerate but do not form a solid mass.
Aggregate
Total amount or sum total.
The aggregate score of the match was 4-3.
Agglomerate
A mass or collection of things loosely held together.
An agglomerate of people formed around the street performer.
Aggregate
To gather into a whole.
We need to aggregate the data from all the surveys.
Agglomerate
To collect or form into a mass.
During the manufacturing process, the powder began to agglomerate.
Aggregate
Constituting or amounting to a whole; total
Aggregate sales in that market.
Agglomerate
To form or collect into a rounded mass.
Aggregate
(Botany) Crowded or massed into a dense cluster.
Agglomerate
Gathered into a rounded mass.
Aggregate
Composed of a mixture of minerals separable by mechanical means.
Agglomerate
A confused or jumbled mass; a heap.
Aggregate
A total considered with reference to its constituent parts; a gross amount
"An empire is the aggregate of many states under one common head" (Edmund Burke).
Agglomerate
A volcanic rock consisting of rounded and angular fragments fused together.
Aggregate
The mineral materials, such as sand or stone, used in making concrete.
Agglomerate
Collected into a ball, heap, or mass
Aggregate
To gather into a mass, sum, or whole
Aggregated the donations into one bank account.
Agglomerate
A collection or mass.
Aggregate
To amount to; total
Revenues will aggregate more than one million dollars.
Agglomerate
A mass of angular volcanic fragments united by heat; distinguished from conglomerate.
Aggregate
To collect (content from different sources on the internet) into one webpage or newsreader.
Agglomerate
(meteorology) An ice cover of floe formed by the freezing together of various forms of ice.
Aggregate
To come together or collect in a mass or whole
"Some [bacteria]aggregate so closely as to mimic a multicellular organism" (Gina Kolata). "The first stars began to form when hydrogen and helium gas left over from the Big Bang aggregated into dense clouds" (Paul Davies).
Agglomerate
(ambitransitive) To wind or collect into a ball; hence, to gather into a mass or anything like a mass.
Aggregate
A mass, assemblage, or sum of particulars; something consisting of elements but considered as a whole.
Agglomerate
To wind or collect into a ball; hence, to gather into a mass or anything like a mass.
Where he builds the agglomerated pile.
Aggregate
A mass formed by the union of homogeneous particles; – in distinction from a compound, formed by the union of heterogeneous particles.
Agglomerate
To collect in a mass.
Aggregate
A set collection of objects.
Agglomerate
Collected into a ball, heap, or mass.
Aggregate
(music) The full chromatic scale of twelve equal tempered pitches.
Agglomerate
Collected into a rounded head of flowers.
Aggregate
(sports) The total score in a set of games between teams or competitors, usually the combination of the home and away scores.
Agglomerate
A collection or mass.
Aggregate
(roofing) Crushed stone, crushed slag or water-worn gravel used for surfacing a built-up roof system.
Agglomerate
A mass of angular volcanic fragments united by heat; - distinguished from conglomerate.
Aggregate
Solid particles of low aspect ratio added to a composite material, as distinguished from the matrix and any fibers or reinforcements; especially the gravel and sand added to concrete.
Agglomerate
Form into one cluster
Aggregate
(Buddhism) Any of the five attributes that constitute the sentient being.
Agglomerate
Clustered together but not coherent;
An agglomerated flower head
Aggregate
A mechanical mixture of more than one phase.
Agglomerate
A collection or cluster of particles or elements.
The volcanic ash formed an agglomerate around the crater.
Aggregate
Formed by a collection of particulars into a whole mass or sum; collective; combined; added up.
Aggregate
Consisting or formed of smaller objects or parts.
Aggregate
Formed into clusters or groups of lobules.
Aggregate glands
Aggregate
(botany) Composed of several florets within a common involucre, as in the daisy; or of several carpels formed from one flower, as in the raspberry.
Aggregate
Having the several component parts adherent to each other only to such a degree as to be separable by mechanical means.
Aggregate
United into a common organized mass; said of certain compound animals.
Aggregate
(transitive) To bring together; to collect into a mass or sum.
The aggregated soil.
Aggregate
To add or unite (e.g. a person), to an association.
Aggregate
(transitive) To amount in the aggregate to.
There are ten loads, aggregating five hundred bushels.
Aggregate
To bring together; to collect into a mass or sum. "The aggregated soil."
Aggregate
To add or unite, as, a person, to an association.
It is many times hard to discern to which of the two sorts, the good or the bad, a man ought to be aggregated.
Aggregate
To amount in the aggregate to; as, ten loads, aggregating five hundred bushels.
Aggregate
Formed by a collection of particulars into a whole mass or sum; collective.
The aggregate testimony of many hundreds.
Aggregate
Formed into clusters or groups of lobules; as, aggregate glands.
Aggregate
Composed of several florets within a common involucre, as in the daisy; or of several carpels formed from one flower, as in the raspberry.
Aggregate
Having the several component parts adherent to each other only to such a degree as to be separable by mechanical means.
Aggregate
United into a common organized mass; - said of certain compound animals.
Aggregate
A mass, assemblage, or sum of particulars; as, a house is an aggregate of stone, brick, timber, etc.
Aggregate
A mass formed by the union of homogeneous particles; - in distinction from a compound, formed by the union of heterogeneous particles.
Aggregate
A sum total of many heterogenous things taken together
Aggregate
The whole amount
Aggregate
Amount in the aggregate to
Aggregate
Gather in a mass, sum, or whole
Aggregate
Gathered or tending to gather into a mass or whole;
Aggregate expenses include expenses of all divisions combined for the entire year
The aggregated amount of indebtedness
Aggregate
Formed of separate units in a cluster;
Raspberries are aggregate fruits
Aggregate
A whole formed by combining several elements.
The aggregate of small savings can become significant over time.
FAQs
How is "agglomerate" used in geology?
In geology, "agglomerate" refers to a mass of volcanic fragments loosely clustered together.
Does "agglomerate" imply a strong connection?
No, "agglomerate" implies a loose clustering of parts or elements.
What is an example of "aggregate" in economics?
In economics, "aggregate demand" represents the total demand for goods and services in an economy.
What does "aggregate" mean in construction?
In construction, "aggregate" refers to materials like sand, gravel, and crushed stone combined to form concrete.
Does "agglomerate" have a specific scientific meaning?
Yes, in science, "agglomerate" refers to particles or fragments that cluster together loosely.
Is "agglomerate" used in industrial processes?
Yes, in industry, "agglomerate" can refer to fine particles clustering into larger lumps for easier handling.
Can "agglomerate" describe social gatherings?
Yes, people can agglomerate into groups at events, meaning they gather together loosely.
Is "aggregate" used in finance?
Yes, "aggregate" can describe the total amount of money or resources pooled together in finance.
Can "aggregate" refer to data?
Yes, "aggregate" can refer to compiling data from various sources into a comprehensive dataset.
What is the difference in binding strength between "aggregate" and "agglomerate"?
"Aggregate" implies a stronger, more cohesive binding, while "agglomerate" suggests a looser connection.
Does "aggregate" suggest unity?
Yes, "aggregate" suggests a unified entity formed by combining various elements.
What is a synonym for "aggregate"?
A synonym for "aggregate" could be "total."
Can "aggregate" describe people?
Yes, "aggregate" can describe a collective group of people.
Can "aggregate" refer to a summary?
Yes, "aggregate" can refer to a summary or total compilation of various items.
Is "agglomerate" commonly used in everyday language?
"Agglomerate" is less common in everyday language and more specific to technical contexts.
Does "aggregate" have a mathematical context?
Yes, in mathematics, "aggregate" can refer to the total sum or result of adding multiple numbers.
Is "aggregate" used in legal contexts?
Yes, "aggregate" can be used in legal contexts to refer to the total amount of damages, settlements, or assets combined.
What is a synonym for "agglomerate"?
A synonym for "agglomerate" could be "cluster."
Can "agglomerate" be a verb?
Yes, "agglomerate" can also be a verb, meaning to gather into a mass or cluster.
Does "agglomerate" imply a natural formation?
Often, yes, "agglomerate" can imply a natural clustering, like volcanic rocks.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
