proliferation
Meaning: Rapid increase in the number or amount of something, often implying that the growth is excessive, uncontrolled, or concerning.
Proliferation is most commonly associated with nuclear weapons — 'nuclear proliferation' is a fixed collocation in international relations — but it applies broadly to any rapid, often unwelcome multiplication. The proliferation of regulations, the proliferation of social media platforms, the proliferation of fast-food outlets. In biology, cell proliferation describes the growth and division of cells, which can be either normal or pathological (as in cancer). Unlike 'growth' or 'expansion,' proliferation usually carries a faintly negative or at least cautionary tone.
Examples
- The proliferation of nuclear weapons remains one of the gravest threats to international security. 核武器扩散仍然是国际安全面临的最严峻威胁之一。La proliferación de armas nucleares sigue siendo una de las amenazas más graves para la seguridad internacional.核兵器の拡散は依然として国際安全保障に対する最も深刻な脅威の一つである。핵무기의 확산은 여전히 국제 안보에 대한 가장 심각한 위협 중 하나이다.
- Local residents objected to the proliferation of betting shops on the high street, arguing that the area was already oversaturated. 当地居民反对商业街上博彩店的激增,认为该地区已经过于饱和。Los vecinos se opusieron a la proliferación de casas de apuestas en la calle principal, argumentando que la zona ya estaba sobresaturada.地元住民は目抜き通りのブックメーカーの急増に反対し、この地域はすでに飽和状態にあると主張した。지역 주민들은 번화가의 도박장 급증에 반대하며, 해당 지역이 이미 포화 상태라고 주장했다.
- Unchecked cell proliferation is a hallmark of malignant tumours and the primary target of chemotherapy. 不受控制的细胞增殖是恶性肿瘤的标志性特征,也是化疗的主要靶点。La proliferación celular descontrolada es un sello distintivo de los tumores malignos y el objetivo principal de la quimioterapia.制御されない細胞増殖は悪性腫瘍の特徴であり、化学療法の主要な標的である。통제되지 않는 세포 증식은 악성 종양의 특징이자 화학요법의 주요 표적이다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: journalism, academic, professional
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From French prolifération, from prolifère (producing offspring), from Latin proles (offspring) + ferre (to carry, bear). The biological sense emerged in the 19th century; the geopolitical sense gained prominence in the mid-20th.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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