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prevalent

adj. · n.
US //ˈpɹɛvəɫənt// UK //pɹˈɛvələnt// preva·lent
  1. 1 widespread or common (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Academic

    existing commonly or happening often in a particular place or group of people.

    widespread or widely prevalent; occurring frequently within a specific context or population.

    Example

    The flu is more prevalent during the cold winter months.

    Example

    These beliefs are still prevalent in many rural communities, despite the rapid modernisation of the surrounding urban centres.

    Usage

    Often used with 'among' or 'in' to specify the group or location affected.
  2. 2 dominant or superior (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Formal

    having the most power or being the most frequent type in a group.

    predominant or superior in force, number, or influence.

    Example

    The prevalent opinion among the experts was that the economy would improve.

    Example

    The prevalent winds in this region blow from the west, significantly impacting the local climate and vegetation patterns.
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  1. 3 a common species (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    a type of plant or animal that is very common in a specific area.

    an organism or species that is widespread or dominant within a particular ecological niche or geographic territory.

    Example

    The oak tree is a prevalent in this part of the forest.

    Example

    Researchers identified the shrub as a prevalent within the coastal ecosystem, noting its role in preventing soil erosion.

    Usage

    Used as a countable noun in ecological and biological reporting.
    • dominant species
Origin

From Latin praevalēns. By surface analysis, pre- + -valent.

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