propagator

UK: /ˈprɒpəˌɡeɪtə/

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

propagator / ˈprɒpəˌɡeɪtə/ noun

1. a person or thing that propagates
2. a shallow box with a heating element and cover used for germinating seeds or rooting cuttings

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

prop•a•gate /ˈprɑpəˌgeɪt/   v., -gat•ed, -gat•ing. 

1. Developmental Biology, Genetics to (cause to) multiply or increase by any process of natural reproduction from the parent stock: [~ + object]
   to propagate seeds; These flowers will propagate themselves.
   [no object]
   The insects propagated vigorously.
2. [~ + object] to spread (a report, doctrine, practice, etc.) from person to person; disseminate.

prop•a•ga•tion /ˌprɑpəˈgeɪʃən/  n. [uncountable]

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

prop•a•gate  (prop′ə gāt′), v., -gat•ed, -gat•ing. 
v.t. 

1. Developmental Biology, Genetics to cause (an organism) to multiply by any process of natural reproduction from the parent stock.
2. Developmental Biology, Genetics to reproduce (itself, its kind, etc.), as an organism does.
3. Developmental Biology, Genetics to transmit (hereditary features or elements) to, or through, offspring.
4. to spread (a report, doctrine, practice, etc.) from person to person; disseminate.
5. to cause to increase in number or amount.
6. Mechanics to create (an effect) at a distance, as by electromagnetic waves, compression waves, etc., traveling through space or a physical medium;
   transmit:
   to propagate sound.

v.i. 

7. Developmental Biology, Genetics to multiply by any process of natural reproduction, as organisms;
   breed.
8. to increase in extent, as a structural flaw:
   The crack will propagate only to this joint.
9. (of electromagnetic waves, compression waves, etc.) to travel through space or a physical medium.

• Latin propāgātus (past participle of propāgāre to reproduce (a plant) by cuttings, spread for sprouting, propagate, enlarge), equivalent. to propāg(ēs) something set out, scion, slip (pro- pro-¹ + pāg-, base of pangere to fasten + -ēs noun, nominal suffix) + -ātus -ate¹
• 1560–70

prop′a•ga′tive, prop•a•ga•to•ry  (prop′ə gə tôr′ē, -tōr′ē), adj.  prop′a•ga′tor, n.