What is the definition of the word sprawl?

Answer 1

As human populations increase, they spread out and interfere with the ecosystems that are vital to the health and survival of the planet. As our population grows it consumes more of everything-land, water, species' habitats-while producing ever-increasing amounts of environmental waste (http://www.fairus.org/site/PageServer?pagename=iic_immigrationissuecentersb1cc).

Basically what this is is the rapid growth and spread of big cities where the consumption of land is faster than the population growth. The rapid growth of population causes environmental problems such as loss of farmland, increase in pollution, smog, pollution (from vehicles and the use of natural/unnatural resources), increased water usage, increased energy consumption, industry damage, and the deficiency of farmlands, animals and their natural habitats. This has become a very serious problem because these suburba areas take up a lot of land that could be otherwise used for agriculture. The agricultural produce would be more beneficial if they were used to generate food, grain and other resources for the inner cities.

Answer 2

The word "Sprawl" means to lie down, sit or fall down with one's legs and arms spread carelessly about. Some synonyms of sprawl are: stretch, lounge, slump, slouch.