Agglomerative refers to a process where individual elements cluster together to form a larger whole. This term is often used in various fields, such as data analysis and chemistry, to describe how smaller units combine to create more complex structures. For example, in hierarchical clustering, agglomerative methods group data points based on their similarities, gradually merging them into larger clusters.
In geology, agglomerative processes can describe how volcanic materials accumulate to form larger landforms. Similarly, in economics, agglomeration can refer to the concentration of businesses in a specific area, leading to increased efficiency and collaboration. This concept highlights the benefits of proximity and collective growth.