PROLIFIC


Meaning of PROLIFIC in English

prə]ˈlifik, prō], ]fēk\ adjective

Etymology: French prolifique, from Latin proles offspring + French -fique -fic — more at proletarian

1.

a. : capable of reproducing or generating

the domestic cat begins … to reproduce by the end of the first year of her life, and she is prolific to her ninth — S.G.J.Mivart

b.

(1) : abundantly and quickly reproductive or generative : fecund , fruitful

flying foxes are extremely prolific — J.G.Frazer

the prolific hyacinth … is a curse to boatmen — Lamp

(2) : marked by an abundance : copiously productive — usually used with in or of

prolific of ferns — American Guide Series: Arkansas

prolific of illusion — H.J.Muller

the waterside is prolific of such heroes — G.B.Shaw

prolific in the production of scientists — W.A.Noyes b. 1898

2. : occurring or existing in large numbers : abundant , profose

contour leather belts … are prolific here — Lois Long

the achievements of … western art are both prolific and illustrious — P.A.Sorokin

both books contain prolific references — W.G.V.Balchin

3. archaic : helpful to or causing abundant growth, generation, or reproduction

the prolific sun, and the sudden and rank plenty which his heat engenders — R.W.Emerson

4. : marked by abundant and often rapid productivity

his prolific output as a research worker — Chronica Botanica

a prolific writer — J.T.Adams

the most prolific contributor — Lucile E. Hoyme

Synonyms: see fertile

Webster's New International English Dictionary.      Новый международный словарь английского языка Webster.