prolifiche

Prolifiche is the feminine plural form of the Italian adjective prolifica (and, by extension, prolifico in the masculine). It means prolific, fruitful, or productive and is used to describe feminine plural nouns or feminine subjects characterized by high output or abundance. For example, Le piante prolifiche crescono rapidamente. Le scrittrici prolifiche hanno pubblicato diversi romanzi negli ultimi anni.

Etymology and meaning

The word derives from Latin prolificus, which comes from proles (offspring) and the Latin suffix -ficus, meaning producing. In Italian, prolifica (feminine singular) and prolifico (masculine singular) form the base, with corresponding plural endings: prolifici (masculine), prolifiche (feminine). Prolifiche provides a precise agreement with feminine plural nouns.

Usage notes

Prolifiche functions as a descriptive adjective and agrees in gender and number with its noun. It is not typically used as a standalone noun. Common contexts include biology, agriculture, arts, and humanities when referring to objects or people described as highly productive or fertile. Examples: piante prolifiche, autrici prolifiche, opere prolifiche. The masculine equivalents are prolifici (plural) and prolifico (singular); the feminine singular is prolifica.

Translations and related terms

In English, prolifiche corresponds to prolific, fertile, or productive, depending on context. Related Italian terms include prolifica, prolifico, and other adjectives indicating high yield or abundance.