proliferation
pronunciation
How to pronounce proliferation in British English:
UK [prəˌlɪfəˈreɪʃn]
How to pronounce proliferation in American English:
US [prəˌlɪfəˈreɪʃn]
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- Noun:
- growth by the rapid multiplication of parts
- a rapid increase in number (especially a rapid increase in the number of deadly weapons)
Word Origin
- proliferation (n.)
- 1859, "formation or development of cells," from French prolifération, from prolifère "producing offspring," from Latin proles "offspring" (see prolific) + ferre "to bear" (see infer). Meaning "enlargement, extension, increase" is from 1920; especially of nuclear weapons (1966).
Example
- 1. That stability would be fatally undermined by nuclear proliferation .
- 2. They pioneered the idea of lightweight 3d format 's proliferation .
- 3. Nor is the proliferation of regional trade agreements an entirely good thing .
- 4. The number for nuclear proliferation is 21 .
- 5. Beijing will clearly be a key player in preventing nuclear proliferation .