propagation
propagation — noun
1. the process of growing new plants from existing ones, for example by using seeds
the process of growing new plants from existing ones, for example by using seeds, cuttings, or other plant parts in a controlled way
Gardeners use plant propagation to grow new roses from cuttings taken in early spring.
collocation: plant propagation / seed propagation
Ishaan learned about seed propagation during his first botany class at university.
The greenhouse uses a special method of propagation for the rare orchid species.
The nursery specialises in the propagation of fruit trees through grafting techniques.
- cultivation
broader term that includes growing plants from seeds or bulbs, not necessarily from a parent plant
- reproduction
broader biological term for any organism producing offspring
文法句型
propagation of + noun
用法筆記
Most commonly used in gardening and horticulture contexts. The noun is uncountable, so it is not preceded by 'a' or used in the plural.
常見錯誤
2. the natural process by which living things, such as animals or plants, produce y
the natural process by which living things, such as animals or plants, produce young or increase their numbers
The rapid propagation of insects in warm weather can damage crops across the region.
collocation: propagation of [species]
Researchers studied the propagation patterns of wild rabbits in the Australian grasslands.
The propagation of the species has slowed since the forest was cleared for farming.
The study examined how climate change affects the propagation of freshwater fish species.
- reproduction
more common everyday term for producing offspring
- breeding
focuses on mating and producing young, especially in animals
文法句型
propagation of + noun (species, organism)
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1: sense 1 refers to human-directed plant cultivation, while this sense describes natural reproduction in both plants and animals. Frequently used in scientific writing about population biology.
常見錯誤
3. the act of making information, ideas, or beliefs widely known to many people, of
the act of making information, ideas, or beliefs widely known to many people, often used when the content is harmful or misleading
Social media allows the rapid propagation of news stories across the globe within hours.
collocation: rapid propagation of news
The government tried to stop the propagation of false claims about the recent election results.
Salma worried about the propagation of harmful stereotypes in online discussion forums.
Devika published an article warning against the propagation of conspiracy theories on social media.
- dissemination
more neutral and formal; often used for research, knowledge, or official information
- circulation
focuses on the movement of information within a network or group
- spread
more common and informal; works for both positive and negative content
- suppression
the act of stopping information from becoming known
文法句型
propagation of + noun (idea, belief, information, rumour)
用法筆記
Often carries a mildly negative connotation, especially when describing the spread of false or damaging content. For neutral or positive spreading of information, 'dissemination' or 'distribution' are more common choices.
常見錯誤
4. the movement of energy in the form of waves, such as light, sound, or motion, tr
the movement of energy in the form of waves, such as light, sound, or motion, travelling through a substance or through space
Sound propagation requires a physical medium such as air, water, or solid material.
collocation: sound propagation
The speed of light propagation through glass is slower than through empty space.
Engineers measured the propagation of seismic waves after the earthquake struck the island.
The experiment demonstrated the propagation of radio waves through different building materials.
- transmission
more general term for sending signals or energy from one place to another
- conduction
specifically for heat or electricity moving through a material
文法句型
propagation of + noun (wave, light, sound, signal)
用法筆記
Technical term commonly used in physics, engineering, and telecommunications. Frequently modifies a specific wave type: sound propagation, light propagation, wave propagation, signal propagation.