proliferation

[pruh-lif-uh-rey-shuh n]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR proliferation ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

the growth or production of cells by multiplication of parts.

a rapid and often excessive spread or increase: nuclear proliferation.

Nearby words

Origin of proliferation

First recorded in 1855–60; proliferate + -ion

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for proliferation

Concerns about the proliferation of these labs date back to shortly after the expansion began in the early 2000s.
Growing Number of Biosafety Labs Raises Red Flags|Center for Public Integrity|August 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The proliferation of zany burger toppings came next as an inevitable by-product of the high-end burger fad.
Have We Reached ‘Peak Burger’? The Crazy Fetishization of Our Most Basic Comfort Food|Brandon Presser|July 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The proliferation of Muslim-majority states continued with decolonization in the 1950s and 1960s.
Why the Caliphate Will Devour Its Children|Philip Jenkins|July 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But Cole also points to the proliferation of phones with video capabilities as a turning point.
What Do Arab Millennials Want?|William O’Connor|July 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST

In the 19th century, it was the proliferation of the penny press and today it has a lot to do with the ubiquity of mobile devices.
Jeff Sharlet’s ‘Radiant Truths’: How Religion Shaped American Literary Journalism|Jonathan D. Fitzgerald|May 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The organizational framework has been complicated by the proliferation of new measures and regulations since 1967.
Area Handbook for Romania|Eugene K. Keefe, Donald W. Bernier, Lyle E. Brenneman, William Giloane, James M. Moore, and Neda A. Walpole
Increase in size following emergence from hibernation may be due in part to proliferation of the sustentacular cytoplasm.
Natural History of the Ornate Box Turtle, Terrapene ornata ornata Agassiz|John M. Legler
Proliferation of tubers is sometimes seen in Potatoes still attached to the parent plant in wet weather following a drought.
Disease in Plants|H. Marshall Ward
Hairs are slender, elongated structures which arise by the proliferation of cells from the Malpighian layer of the epidermis.
The Vertebrate Skeleton|Sidney H. Reynolds
The interstitial tissue is always affected, and exudation, proliferation and formation of fibrous tissue occur.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 15, Slice 7|Various

British Dictionary definitions for proliferation

proliferation

noun

rapid growth or reproduction of new parts, cells, etc

rapid growth or increase in numbers

a great numberdone up in a proliferation of fancy frills

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for proliferation

proliferation

1859, "formation or development of cells," from French prolifération, from prolifère "producing offspring," from Latin proles "offspring" (see prolific) + ferre "to bear" (see infer). Meaning "enlargement, extension, increase" is from 1920; especially of nuclear weapons (1966).

Medicine definitions for proliferation

proliferation

[prə-lĭf′ə-rā′shən]

n.

The growth and reproduction of similar cells.

proliferation

noun

RELATED CONTENT

RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

Origin of proliferation

Examples from the Web for proliferation

proliferation

noun

proliferation

proliferation

n.