prevalence

/ˈprɛvələns/C1Loopy word list, level 6 · Master

Definition

n. the quality of prevailing generally; being widespread
n. (epidemiology) the ratio (for a given time period) of the number of occurrences of a disease or event to the number of units at risk in the population

Word forms

Plural: prevalences

Example sentences

n.
The prevalence of smartphones has changed how we communicate.
n.
The prevalence of flu cases increases during the winter months.