Prē'va-lençe, n.
n. [Lat. prævalentia, It. prevalenza. See infra.]
Sense 1. The condition or quality of being prevalent; superior strength, influence, or efficacy; most efficacious force in producing an effect; success.
The duke better knew what kind of arguments were [was] of prevalence with him. Clarendon.
Sense 2. Most general reception or practice; predominance; as, the prevalence of vice, or of corrupt maxims; the prevalence of opinion or fashion.
Sense 3. Most general existence or extension; as, the prevalence of a disease.