Proliferation Meaning and Definition
Proliferation
Pronunciation
/ˌprəˌlɪfəˈreɪʃən/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A rapid increase in the number or amount of something, often in a biological or cellular context, resulting in an abundance or excess.
Examples
- The proliferation of social media platforms has changed the way we communicate.
- Cell proliferation is a key aspect of cancer research.
Synonyms
- Growth
- Expansion
Antonyms
- Decline
- Reduction
Additional Information
Proliferation can occur in various contexts, including biology, business, and technology. In biology, cell proliferation is a crucial process in development and tissue repair. In business, proliferation can refer to the rapid growth of a company or industry. In technology, the proliferation of new devices or platforms can have a significant impact on society.
Proliferation can also have negative connotations, such as the proliferation of weapons or the proliferation of misinformation.
Etymology
The word “proliferation” comes from the Latin words “proles,” meaning “offspring,” and “ferre,” meaning “to bear.” It has been used in the English language since the 15th century to describe the process of rapid growth or increase.
Usage Notes
The word “proliferation” can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more commonly used in academic or technical writing.
Cultural References
The term “proliferation” has been used in popular culture to describe the rapid growth of technology, social media, and other phenomena.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Proliferation of choices
- Proliferation of ideas
Related Words or Phrases
- Growth rate
- Expansion strategy
Collocations
- Proliferation of social media platforms
- Proliferation of cancer cells
Frequency of Use
The word “proliferation” is commonly used in academic and technical writing, but less frequently in informal conversation.
Common Misspellings
- Proiferation
- Prolliferation