propagation

noun

prop·​a·​ga·​tion ˌprä-pə-ˈgā-shən 

: the act or action of propagating: such as

a

: increase (as of a kind of organism) in numbers

b

: the spreading of something (such as a belief) abroad or into new regions

c

: enlargement or extension (as of a crack) in a solid body

Examples of propagation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Controlling and ensuring proper sound propagation in headphones is a challenge. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024

This is a propagation of a plant in Lotusland’s collection that is originally from famed South African botanist and horticulturist Cynthia Giddy. —Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 30 Sep. 2024

As scientists learned fairly quickly, masking and mobility restrictions were effective against the propagation of the virus. —Abhijit V. Banerjee, Foreign Affairs, 21 Jan. 2022

Pandas International is an organization specifically focused on the preservation and propagation of the giant panda, supporting breeding centers and research in China. —Kelly Bowman, CNN, 20 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

propagation

noun

prop·​a·​ga·​tion ˌpräp-ə-ˈgā-shən 

: the act or process of propagating: as

a

: multiplication (as of a kind of living thing) in number of individuals

b

: the spreading of something (as a belief) abroad or into new regions

Medical Definition

propagation

noun

prop·​a·​ga·​tion ˌpräp-ə-ˈgā-shən 

: the act or action of propagating: as

a

: increase (as of a kind of organism) in numbers

propagation of a pure culture of bacteria

b

: the spreading or transmission of something

propagation of a nerve impulse