Which of the following best defines "accretion"?

• A. A formal declaration made before a notary public
• B. A gradual addition to dry land
• C. To declare not guilty
• D. Silent agreement

Answer: (B)

The term "accretion" is best defined as a gradual addition to dry land. This concept often refers to the process where land increases in area due to the deposition of sediment by natural forces such as rivers or ocean currents. In the context of property law, accretion can affect land ownership, as landowners may legally acquire the newly formed land. This definition captures the essence of how land grows over time through natural processes, distinguishing it from other legal terms that pertain to declarations or agreements. The other choices refer to different concepts that do not align with the geological or property context of accretion.