English Dictionary
Definition of “proliferate”
proliferate (prəˈlɪfəˌreɪt
)
Definitions
verb
- to grow or reproduce (new parts, cells, etc) rapidly
- to grow or increase or cause to grow or increase rapidly
Alternative Forms
proˈliferative adjective Word Origin
C19: from Medieval Latin prōlifer having offspring, from Latin prōlēs offspring + ferre to bear
Usage examples
Musical ideas proliferate at a bewildering rate, as he tries out a phrase, a mood, pulling the tune this way and that.
Alex George, LOVE YOU MADLY (2002)Satellite tv has inundated the Indian home and continues to proliferate.
India Today (2000)In time, though, AWAs will proliferate as the union membership base continues to slide.
The Australian (2004)After they proliferate , the plants are separated and grown on in test tubes on the right.
Sun, News of the World (2002)In the first stage, cells in the middle layer of the arterial wall mutate and proliferate.
Holford, Patrick, The Family Nutrition Workbook (1988)
