释义 |
prev·a·lence \ˈprev(ə)lən(t)s\ noun also prev·a·len·cy \-nsē, -si\ (plural prevalences also prevalencies) Etymology: prevalence from French prévalence superiority, from Late Latin praevalentia greater power, from Latin praevalent-, praevalens (present participle of praevalēre to be more able, prevail) + -ia -y; prevalency from Late Latin praevalentia 1. : the quality, condition, or fact of being prevalent : frequent occurrence : general or widespread acceptance, usage, or dissemination < the prevalence of burglaries > < prevalence of radios > < prevalence of rumors > 2. : the degree to which something (as a disease, an infective agent) is prevalent; sometimes : the percent of a population being studied that is affected with a particular disease at a given time |