1. Growth by the rapid multiplication of parts
   "The proliferation of cancer cells led to the formation of tumors"
    
2. A rapid increase in number (especially a rapid increase in the number of deadly weapons)
   "the proliferation of nuclear weapons"

Derived forms: proliferations

Type of: development, growing, growth, increase, increment, maturation, ontogenesis, ontogeny

Antonym: non-proliferation

Encyclopedia: Proliferation