pre ‧ vail ‧ ing /prɪˈveɪlɪŋ/ BrE AmE adjective [only before noun]
1 . existing or accepted in a particular place or at a particular time SYN current :
The prevailing mood of public opinion remained hostile.
the prevailing economic conditions in Northern Ireland
2 . prevailing wind a wind that blows over a particular area most of the time