multiple

[muhl-tuh-puhl]

adjective

1. consisting of, having, or involving several or many individuals, parts, elements, relations, etc.; manifold.

2. Electricity.

   1. (of circuits) arranged in parallel.

   2. (of a circuit or circuits) having a number of points at which connection can be made.

3. Botany.,  (of a fruit) collective.

noun

1. Mathematics.,  a number that contains another number an integral number of times without a remainder.

   12 is a multiple of 3.

2. Electricity.,  a group of terminals arranged to make a circuit or group of circuits accessible at a number of points at any one of which connection can be made.

multiple

/ ˈmʌltɪpəl /

adjective

1. having or involving more than one part, individual, etc

   he had multiple injuries

2. electronics (of a circuit) having a number of conductors in parallel

noun

1. the product of a given number or polynomial and any other one

   6 is a multiple of 2

2. telephony an electrical circuit accessible at a number of points to any one of which a connection can be made

3. short for multiple store

multiple

1. A number that may be divided by another number with no remainder. For example, 4, 10, and 32 are multiples of 2.

Other Word Forms

• nonmultiple adjective
• multiply adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of multiple¹

First recorded in 1570–80; from French, from Late Latin multiplus “manifold”; multi-

Word History and Origins

Origin of multiple¹

C17: via French from Late Latin multiplus, from Latin _multiplex

Example Sentences

Because of his discipline and competitiveness, Álvarez became a multiple world champion and the Mexican athlete who has earned more money than any other boxer from his country.

From Los Angeles Times

Defense attorneys said Ramos-Brito sustained multiple contusions on his face, neck and back and had cuts and scrapes on his body from being dragged across the pavement later.

From Los Angeles Times

The evidence available so far suggests that this year’s algae bloom would have been just as deadly if the catastrophe on land hadn’t happened, multiple scientists said this week.

From Los Angeles Times

The Marines published a description of the airspace proposal in 2019, but multiple recreation advocates and local officials said they didn’t hear about it until the Marines released a draft environmental assessment last month.

From Los Angeles Times

Another strategy involves remembering that conversations often have multiple audiences.

From Salon

Related Words

• different 
• numerous 
• various