Proliferous

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Characterized by the prolific generation of offspring, new shoots, or growths at a rapid pace, resulting in abundant reproduction and extensive multiplication
2. Generating or producing a large number of offspring, new growths, or shoots in a rapid manner signifies a quality of abundant reproduction and extensive propagation
3. Tending to produce a high quantity of offspring, sprouts, or similar growths rapidly and abundantly

Etymology: "Proliferous" is a compound built from Latin parts: "prōlēs," meaning "offspring," and "-fer," meaning "bearing" or "carrying," which together gave the Latin "prōlifer," literally "offspring-bearing." English added its own adjective ending, "-ous," meaning "full of" or "having," so the word describes something that bears or produces abundantly. The sense of "offspring" is the key to the original meaning. Latin "prōlēs" was a word for children and descendants, so a "prōlifer" was something that brought forth young. That biological origin is still visible in the root, even though the modern adjective is used for things like plants, ideas, or ventures that multiply rapidly. The shift from living things producing young to anything expanding quickly is a short step, and the word follows that path naturally.

Synonyms: productive, reproductive

Antonyms: unproductive