Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Proliferated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŒฑ
Add to dictionary

proliferated

[prษ™หˆlษชf.ษ™.reษชtษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

growth, increase

To proliferate means to increase rapidly in numbers or to spread quickly. This term is often used in biological contexts, such as the rapid division of cells. It can also refer to the widespread occurrence of something.

Synonyms

broadcast, expand, increase, multiply.

Examples of usage

  • The cells began to proliferate after the injury.
  • Social media has proliferated in recent years.
  • The use of smartphones has proliferated across the globe.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In biology, proliferation refers to the rapid increase in cell numbers, essential for growth and healing.
  • Cancer research heavily studies the proliferation of cells, as uncontrolled proliferation can lead to tumors.
  • In ecology, when plant species proliferate, they can influence entire ecosystems by altering habitats.

Technology

  • In the tech world, information can proliferate rapidly online, changing how news and ideas spread.
  • The increased proliferation of devices with the internet has transformed everyday life and communication.
  • Open-source software proliferated from a niche idea to a dominant force in tech tech, allowing shared improvements.

Cultural Impact

  • Social media has led to the proliferation of trends and memes, changing how culture is created and shared.
  • The proliferation of global cuisines is evident in cities, where diverse food options reflect interconnected cultures.
  • In literature, the proliferation of digital publishing has allowed more voices to be heard than ever before.

Origin of 'proliferated'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'proliferare,' which means 'to bear offspring' or 'to produce many.'
  • It first appeared in the English language in the 19th century, often related to growth in biological contexts.
  • The prefix 'pro-' means 'for' or 'forward,' while 'lifer' relates to life, indicating a positive growth trend.

The word 'proliferate' comes from the Latin word 'proliferare', which is a combination of 'proles' meaning 'offspring' and 'ferre' meaning 'to bear' or 'to carry'. It originally referred to the biological process of cells multiplying or reproducing. The term proliferate made its way into the English language in the mid-20th century and is often used in scientific discussions, particularly in biology and medicine. In recent years, the usage expanded into other areas such as technology and social phenomena, reflecting the rapid spread of ideas, products, and behaviors within societies.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,467, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.