proliferation

proliferate

Main Entry: pro·lif·er·ate Pronunciation: pr&-'li-f&-"rAtFunction: verbInflected Form(s): -at·ed; -at·ingEtymology: back-formation from proliferation, from French prolifération, from proliférer to proliferate, from prolifère reproducing freely, from Latin proles + -fer -ferous

intransitive verb
-1 : to grow by rapid production of new parts, cells, buds, or offspring
-2 : to increase in number as if by proliferating : MULTIPLY

transitive verb
-1 : to cause to grow by proliferating
-2 : to cause to increase in number or extent as if by proliferating

Source : Merriam Webster Dictionary online