pullulate
UK: ˈpʌljʊleɪt | US: ˈpʌljəˌleɪt
vi. 1. To breed or produce rapidly; multiply abundantly.
vi. 2. To swarm or teem with living things.
vi. 3. To sprout or germinate (of plants).
pullulate = pullul<to sprout> + ate<verb suffix>
- pullul (from Latin pullulāre, meaning "to sprout, grow, or multiply," derived from pullulus, a diminutive of pullus "young animal, chick").
- ate (a verb-forming suffix in Latin-derived English words, indicating action or process).
Etymology Origin:
The word pullulate traces back to Latin pullulāre, which originally described the rapid growth of young plants or animals (like chicks). Over time, it broadened to encompass any form of prolific reproduction or swarming, reflecting nature’s unchecked vitality. The suffix -ate standardizes it as a verb in English.
The pond began to pullulate with tadpoles in early spring.
Under ideal conditions, bacteria pullulate exponentially.
The forest floor pullulated with new seedlings after the rain.
Urban areas often pullulate with diverse cultural activity.
Without predators, the insect population pullulated uncontrollably.