multi

¹ American  

[muhl-tee, -tahy] / ˈmʌl ti, -taɪ /

noun

plural

multis

1. a pattern of several colors or hues, usually in stripes.

   This dress comes in pink or green multi.

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adjective

1. multicolored.

multi- ² American  

1. a combining form meaning “many,” “much,” “multiple,” “many times,” “more than one,” “more than two,” “composed of many like parts,” “in many respects,” used in the formation of compound words.

   multiply; multivitamin.

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multi- British  

combining form

1. many or much

   multiflorous

   multimillion

2. more than one

   multiparous

   multistorey

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multi– Scientific  

1. A prefix that means “many” or “much,” as in multicellular, having many cells.

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Usage

What does multi- mean? Multi- is a combining form used like a prefix with a variety of meanings, including “many; much; multiple.” It is often used in scientific and technical terms.Multi- comes from Latin multus, meaning “much” and “many.” The Greek equivalent of multus is polýs, also meaning both “much” and “many,” which is the source of the combining form poly-. To learn more, check out our Words That Use article about poly-.What are variants of multi-?When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, multi- becomes mult-, as in multangular, from Latin multangulus. Want to know more? Read our Words That Use article about mult-.

Etymology

Origin of multi¹

By shortening of multicolor or multicolored

Origin of multi-²

Middle English < Latin, combining form of multus much, many

Example Sentences

A partnership between Polaris Multi Academy Trust, which operates Field Lane, the local authority and Highbury has seen a "co-located" school established with a growing register.

From BBC

The snail's pace is intentional: as if carrying a precious Ming vase, the slow, gentle motion reduces stresses on the multi‑billion‑dollar rocket and launch tower.

From BBC

He said advice for schools could be obtained from the government, police, local authority and multi academy trusts.

From BBC

The semi industry can be sensitive to interest rates because higher rates, along with their impact on economic growth, make investments more costly, slowing investment spending, explains Adrian Helfert, CIO of Multi Asset Strategies at Westwood.

From Barron's

Also up for vote in Sunday's ballot are proposals to create a multi billion-dollar climate fund, to enshrine in the constitution a guarantee to keep cash payments with coins and banknotes, and to change how the income of married couples is taxed.

From BBC