multiplicity
Americannoun
plural
multiplicities-
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.
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.
Multiplicity is a feature of queer writing, which holds space for overlapping contradictions, shifting identities and wily desire.
From Washington Post • Sep. 11, 2021
Koepka and Woodland look so much alike that their impending duel is not too far off from the plot of the wonderful 1996 Michael Keaton vehicle Multiplicity.
From Golf Digest • Jun. 16, 2019
There was a run of comedies, including Harold Ramis’ Multiplicity, in which he played a man who clones himself, that were smart and funny, but never going to set the world on fire.
From The Guardian • Sep. 9, 2017
Answers: Paris Texas, Multiplicity, The Cure, and "I've heard a few songs," which was a lie.
From The Verge • May 23, 2016
Multiplicity is appearance; the difference between the individual soul and the All Soul depends upon an error which we can overcome.
From Hidden Symbolism of Alchemy and the Occult Arts by Jelliffe, Smith Ely
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.
