Vermehren

Vermehren is a German verb meaning to increase in number, to multiply, or to propagate. It is used in contexts such as biology, demography, agriculture, and everyday language to describe the growth or reproduction of living beings, populations, or units of culture and knowledge. The corresponding noun is Vermehrung, which denotes the process or result of multiplication or reproduction.

Etymology and form: Vermehren combines the prefix ver- with the verb mehren, meaning to grow or increase. The term is related to Vermehrung (noun) and to adjectives and verbs derived from the same root, used to express increased quantity or spread. The reflexive form sich vermehren is common and refers to self-multiplication or reproduction.

Usage in biology and demography: In biology, sich vermehren is used for the reproduction of organisms and the growth of cell populations, as in ein Art vermehrt sich durch Nachwuchs or die Zellen vermehren sich. In demography or population discussions, Vermehrung describes the growth of a population over time, influenced by birth rates, migration, and mortality.

Propagation in plants and cultures: In horticulture and microbiology, vermehren refers to propagating organisms or cultures. Plant propagation methods such as seed, cuttings, layering, or division are described as Vermehrung. For example, Kräuter lassen sich leicht vermehren, und Unternehmen können Kulturen vermehrt werden, um größere Mengen zu erhalten.

Nuance and related terms: Vermehren generally emphasizes numerical increase or propagation rather than physical enlargement alone. Synonyms include vervielfachen (to multiply in quantity) and vergrößern (to enlarge, broader sense). The noun Vermehrung contrasts with Fortpflanzung (reproduction in a biological sense) and Verbreitung (spread, dissemination).

Overall, vermehren is a versatile term used across scientific, agricultural, and general contexts to describe multiplication, propagation, or growth in numbers.