proliferating

Proliferating is the present participle of the verb proliferate. It describes something that is growing or spreading rapidly in number, extent, or distribution. The term is used across disciplines to indicate expansion, often with emphasis on speed or persistence. It can refer to populations, ideas, technologies, or signals that increase in prevalence over time.

From Latin proliferare, formed from proles (offspring) and ferre (to bear), the term entered English to describe production or reproduction. Proliferating as a participle foregrounds ongoing growth.

In biology, cell proliferation is the process by which cells divide and multiply. It underpins development, growth, and tissue repair and is controlled by the cell cycle and signaling pathways. Dysregulated proliferation can contribute to diseases such as cancer. Researchers measure proliferation with assays that track DNA synthesis or cell division.

In medicine, policy, ecology, and technology, proliferating describes the spread of goods, ideas, or organisms. Nuclear proliferation refers to the spread of nuclear weapons or weapons technology and is a major international security concern. In ecology, invasive species may proliferate and alter ecosystems. In technology and markets, the proliferation of devices and apps can change consumer behavior and infrastructure.