v. pro·lif·er·at·ed, pro·lif·er·at·ing, pro·lif·er·ates v.intr. 1. To grow or multiply by rapidly producing new tissue, parts, cells, or offspring. 2. To increase or spread at a rapid rate: fears that nuclear weapons might proliferate. v.tr. To cause to grow or increase rapidly. [Back-formation from PROLIFERATION, the act of proliferating, from French prolifération, from prolifère, procreative : Latin prōlēs, prōl-, offspring; see PROLIFEROUS + Latin -fer, -fer.] pro·lif′er·ation n. pro·lifer·a′tive adj. pro·lifer·a′tor n. |
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