What is an Aggregate?

Aggregate is one of those words everyone knows – but rarely uses. So, we thought we’d put together this information sheet on aggregates just for you.

Cluster, Group, Material

For our purposes, aggregate is mostly used as either a noun or an adjective. For instance, Venice Hauling sells aggregates; a noun describing rocks, gravels, sands, shells, etc. This means aggregate is a collection of materials forming a whole. Road base is a great aggregate example. It is a whole, road base, that is formed of many different materials; lime stone, sand, calcium, shells, etc.

Aggregate Definition

ag·gre·gate
noun
ˈaɡriɡət/
  1. 1.
    a whole formed by combining several (typically disparate) elements.
    “the council was an aggregate of three regional assemblies”
  2. 2.
    a material or structure formed from a loosely compacted mass of fragments or particles.
    synonyms: collection, mass, agglomeration, conglomerate, assemblage; More
adjective
  1. 1.
    formed or calculated by the combination of many separate units or items; total.
    “the aggregate amount of grants made”
    synonyms: total, combined, gross, overall, composite

    “an aggregate score”
verb
ˈaɡrəˌɡāt/
  1. 1.
    form or group into a class or cluster.
    “the butterflies aggregate in dense groups”