v.tr. 1 a breed specimens of (a plant, animal, etc.) by natural processes from the parent stock. b (refl. or absol.) (of a plant, animal, etc.) reproduce itself. 2 disseminate; spread (a statement, belief, theory, etc.). 3 hand down (a quality etc.) from one generation to another. 4 extend the operation of; transmit (a vibration, earthquake, etc.). propagation n. propagative adj.
[ L propagare propagat- multiply plants from layers, f. propago (as PRO-(1), pangere fix, layer) ]