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proliferation (n.)

1859, "formation or development of cells," from French prolifération, from prolifère "producing offspring," from Latin proles "offspring" (see prolific) + ferre "to bear, carry," from PIE root *bher- (1) "to carry," also "to bear children." Meaning "enlargement, extension, increase" is from 1920; especially of nuclear weapons (1966).

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Definitions of proliferation from WordNet

proliferation (n.)
growth by the rapid multiplication of parts;
proliferation (n.)
a rapid increase in number (especially a rapid increase in the number of deadly weapons);
the proliferation of nuclear weapons
From wordnet.princeton.edu