prev·a·lent 
(prĕvə-lənt)
(prĕvə-lənt)adj.
Widely or commonly occurring, existing, accepted, or practiced. See Synonyms at prevailing.
[Middle English, very strong, from Latin praevalēns, praevalent-, present participle of praevalēre, to be stronger; see PREVAIL.]
preva·lent·ly adv.