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

"Here, it helped guide us to think about how the cell density, proliferation rate, signaling, and all these different things conspire."

From Science Daily

Like any drug, ketamine also carries risks, and some are concerned that the proliferation of clinics providing this treatment has outpaced what regulatory systems can support.

From Salon

The proliferation of judges appointed by Mr. Trump and the dominance of conservative jurists on the Supreme Court have thrown past precedent and legal assumptions into some doubt.

From New York Times

In an age where millions of people get their news and opinions from dubious apps on their phone, few are totally immune to the impacts of emotionally-satisfying conspiracy theories and their viral proliferation.

From Salon

It might even have been counterproductive: As an editor, I regularly caution writers about the pitfalls of over-reporting, in which the proliferation of detail can cloud understanding as opposed to create it.

From Los Angeles Times