proliferation

[pruh-lif-uh-rey-shuhn]

noun

1. the growth or production of cells by multiplication of parts.

2. a rapid and often excessive spread or increase.

   nuclear proliferation.

Word History and Origins

Origin of proliferation¹

First recorded in 1855–60; proliferate + -ion

Example Sentences

Even by the mid-2010s during a proliferation of local haunted attractions, the village downsized but the mazes never lost their charm.

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But, she added, "there are other dynamics globally that have raised the risks of nuclear exchange and further proliferation of nuclear weapons to levels higher than they have been in decades".

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But the proliferation of food items advertised as high-protein, ranging from toaster pastries to tortilla chips, could lead consumers astray, Miserandino said.

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That dynamic is evident in the proliferation of lounges at U.S. airports and co-branded credit cards with U.S. airlines.

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The proliferation of exchange-traded funds removes many of the constraints imposed on investors previously.

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