\Prev"a*lent\, a. [L. praevalens, -entis, p. pr. of
praevalere. See {Prevail}.]
1. Gaining advantage or superiority; having superior force,
   influence, or efficacy; prevailing; predominant;
   successful; victorious.
         Brennus told the Roman embassadors, that prevalent
         arms were as good as any title.       --Sir W.
                                               Raleigh.
2. Most generally received or current; most widely adopted or
   practiced; also, generally or extensively existing;
   widespread; prevailing; as, a prevalent observance;
   prevalent disease.
         This was the most received and prevalent opinion.
                                               --Woodward.
Syn: Prevailing; predominant; successful; efficacious;
     powerful.
Usage: {Prevalent}, {Prevailing}. What customarily prevails
       is prevalent; as, a prevalent fashion. What actually
       prevails is prevailing; as, the prevailing winds are
       west. Hence, prevailing is the livelier and more
       pointed word, since it represents a thing in action.
       It is sometimes the stronger word, since a thing may
       prevail sufficiently to be called prevalent, and yet
       require greater strength to make it actually
       prevailing.