multiplication sign

American  

noun

1. Arithmetic. the symbol (⋅), (×), or (∗) between two mathematical expressions, denoting multiplication of the second expression by the first. In certain algebraic notations the sign is suppressed and multiplication is indicated by immediate juxtaposition or contiguity, as in ab.

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multiplication sign British  

noun

1. the symbol ×, placed between numbers to be multiplied, as in 3 × 4 × 5 = 60

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Etymology

Origin of multiplication sign

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

It is customary in scientific notation to use as the × multiplication sign, even though we avoid using this sign elsewhere in algebra.

From Textbooks • Apr. 22, 2020

Joshua Zucker then proposed a number of follow-on questions, including: “What if player 2 must use exactly one multiplication sign, but may use one set of parentheses?”

From New York Times • Feb. 20, 2012

If a multiplication sign is used — it depends.

From New York Times • Feb. 20, 2012

Putting the multiplication sign inside the parens accomplishes nothing, as once the multiplication is done, it is all straight addition from there, regardless of the order.

From New York Times • Feb. 20, 2012

He held out against putting his multiplication sign to the treaty, claiming that land was like water and air and could n't be bought and sold.

From A Master's Degree by McCarter, Margaret Hill