̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈrāshən noun
( -s )
Etymology: French prolifération, from proliférer to proliferate (from prolifère proliferous, from proli- + -fère -ferous) + -ation
1.
a. : rapid and repeated production of new parts or of buds or offspring (as in a mass of cells by a rapid succession of cell divisions or in a coral by the production of buds in quick succession)
b. : a growth so formed
2. : the action, process, or result of increasing by or as if by proliferation
the proliferation of subjects taught — S.A.Rice
the proliferation of error — Norman Cousins
proliferation and fragmentation of parties — Geoffrey Sawer