Dictionary entries for 'proliferation'

Synonyms

breeding
multiplication
procreation
propagation
reproduction
spawning
aggrandizement
amplification
augment
augmentation
boost
buildup
enlargement
escalation
growth
hike
increase
jump
multiplication
raise

pro·lif·er·ate (prə-lĭf́ə-rāt́)

[Back-formation from proliferation, the act of proliferating, from French prolifération, from prolifère, procreative, Latin prōlēs, prōl-, offspring; see proliferous, + Latin -fer, -fer.]

verb: -at·ed, -at·ing, -ates.

intransitive verb

To grow or multiply by rapidly producing new tissue, parts, cells, or offspring.
To increase or spread at a rapid rate: fears that nuclear weapons might proliferate.

transitive verb

To cause to grow or increase rapidly.

derivatives

pro·lif́er·átion: noun
pro·lif́er·átive: adjective
pro·lif́er·átor: noun

verb: -at·ed, -at·ing, -ates.

intransitive verb

transitive verb

derivatives

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition