To increase rapidly in number or spread extensively; to multiply or reproduce abundantly. Often used to describe rapid growth that may be difficult to control.
From Latin 'proliferare' meaning 'to bear offspring' (proles 'offspring' + ferre 'to bear'). Originally a biological term from the 19th century describing cell division and reproduction, it later extended to describe rapid spread of ideas, technologies, or objects.
The 'proles' root means 'offspring' and gives us 'proletariat' (the working class, literally 'those who contribute offspring to the state')! So when something proliferates, it's essentially having lots of 'offspring'—whether they're cells, nuclear weapons, or coffee shops.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.