multiplex

[muhl-tuh-pleks]

adjective

having many parts or aspects: the multiplex problem of drug abuse.

manifold; multiple: the multiplex opportunities in high technology.

Telecommunications. of, relating to, or using equipment permitting the simultaneous transmission of two or more trains of signals or messages over a single channel.

verb (used with object)

Telecommunications.

to arrange (a circuit) for use by multiplex telegraphy.
to transmit (two or more signals or messages) by a multiplex system, circuit, or the like.

verb (used without object)

to send several messages or signals simultaneously, as by multiplex telegraphy.

noun

a multiplex electronics system.

(in map making) a stereoscopic device that makes it possible to view pairs of aerial photographs in three dimensions.

Also called multiplex cinema, multiplex theater. a group of two or more motion-picture theaters on the same site or in the same building, especially a cluster of adjoining theaters.

Origin of multiplex

From Latin, dating back to 1550–60; see origin at multi-, -plex

Related formsmul·ti·plex·er, mul·ti·plex·or, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for multiplexor

multiplex

noun

telecomm

the use of a common communications channel for sending two or more messages or signals. In frequency-division multiplex the frequency band transmitted by the common channel is split into narrower bands each of which constitutes a distinct channel. In time-division multiplex different channels are established by intermittent connections to the common channel
(as modifier)a multiplex transmitter

a purpose-built complex containing a number of cinemas and usually a restaurant or bar
(as modifier)a multiplex cinema

adjective

designating a method of map-making using three cameras to produce a stereoscopic effect

a less common word for multiple

verb

to send (messages or signals) or (of messages or signals) be sent by multiplex

Word Origin for multiplex

C16: from Latin: having many folds, from multi- + plicāre to fold

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for multiplexor

multiplex

1550s (adj.), 1560s (n.), in mathematics, from Latin multiplex "having many folds; many times as great in number; of many parts" (see multiply).