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
-
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.
The cast of characters is drawn with an eye to multiplicity.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 8, 2025
Still, the neurotypical viewer might wonder how accurately the series portrays neurodivergence, and indeed, within the community, which is nothing like homogeneous, one finds a multiplicity of views.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 13, 2025
It responded that there are a multiplicity of separatist fighters now operating in the anglophone region.
From BBC • May 25, 2025
From the moment he got his first defensive coordinator job with the University of Michigan in 2021, Mike Macdonald has preached the gospel of multiplicity.
From Seattle Times • Jun. 4, 2024
“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.
