multiplicity
Americannoun
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a large number or variety.
a multiplicity of errors.
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the state of being multiplex or manifold; manifold variety.
noun
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a large number or great variety
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the state of being multiple
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physics
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the number of levels into which the energy of an atom, molecule, or nucleus splits as a result of coupling between orbital angular momentum and spin angular momentum
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the number of elementary particles in a multiplet
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Usage
What does multiplicity mean? Multiplicity most commonly means a large number or a great variety. It is the noun form of the adjective multiple, meaning more than one or several. It can also mean the state of being multiple. Multiplicity is used in more specific ways in several different scientific fields, but all of them have to do with multiple instances of things. Example: When designing a craft for space travel, you have to consider a multiplicity of issues.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of multiplicity
1580–90; < Late Latin multiplicitās, equivalent to multiplic- (stem of multiplex ) multiplex + -itās -ity
Explanation
A multiplicity is a lot of something, usually countable and varied. If you're skilled in juggling, tightrope walking, and lion taming, you could call yourself a circus performer with a multiplicity of talents. Having a multiplicity of something is more than just having a lot of it. You may have a big pile of white tube socks, but that wouldn't qualify as a multiplicity. You'd have a multiplicity of socks if you've got not just the white tube socks, but striped knee socks for soccer, black silk socks to wear with your tuxedo, wool hiking socks, low tennis socks with pom-poms on the back, and socks with little pockets for your toes.
Vocabulary lists containing multiplicity
Paper Towns
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Vocabulary Video Contest (2013) - List 1
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"Simon's Saga," Vocabulary from Episode 34
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
And multiplicity: If you reveal something negative, is it seen with compassion?
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026
Looking beyond the current dynamics caused by the effective closure by Iran of the Strait of Hormuz, the more lasting trend of supply/demand imbalance is owing to a multiplicity of factors.
From MarketWatch • May 7, 2026
This multiplicity of Western and non-Western renaissances deepens Mr. Roeck’s reflection on the whole concept of cultural rebirth.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 27, 2025
Nowadays, with the film business contracting around blockbusters, the little pictures, the B pictures and the silly pictures have deserted the theaters for television which, in its streaming multiplicity, has room to absorb them.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 6, 2025
“I prefer to be called William Spiver. It distinguishes me from the multiplicity of Williams in the world.”
From "Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures" by Kate DiCamillo
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
