Prevalence
Pronunciation : Prev"a*lence
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [L. praevalentia: cf. F. pr?valence. See Prevail.]
Definition : Defn: The quality or condition of being prevalent; superior strength, force, or influence; general existence, reception, or practice; wide extension; as, the prevalence of virtue, of a fashion, or of a disease; the prevalence of a rumor. The duke better knew what kind of argument were of prevalence with him. Clarendon.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913