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