ˈprev(ə)lən(t)s noun
also prev·a·len·cy -nsē, -si
( plural prevalences also prevalencies )
Etymology: prevalence from French prévalence superiority, from Late Latin praevalentia greater power, from Latin praevalent-, praevalens (present participle of praevalēre to be more able, prevail) + -ia -y; prevalency from Late Latin praevalentia
1. : the quality, condition, or fact of being prevalent : frequent occurrence : general or widespread acceptance, usage, or dissemination
the prevalence of burglaries
prevalence of radios
prevalence of rumors
2. : the degree to which something (as a disease, an infective agent) is prevalent ; sometimes : the percent of a population being studied that is affected with a particular disease at a given time