multiplier

[muhl-tuh-plahy-er]

noun

1. a person or thing that multiplies.

2. Arithmetic.,  a number by which another is multiplied. multiply.

3. Physics.,  a device for intensifying some effect.

multiplier

/ ˈmʌltɪˌplaɪə /

noun

1. a person or thing that multiplies

2. the number by which another number, the multiplicand, is multiplied See also multiplicand

3. physics any device or instrument, such as a photomultiplier, for increasing an effect

4. economics

   1. the ratio of the total change in income (resulting from successive rounds of spending) to an initial autonomous change in expenditure

   2. ( as modifier )

      multiplier effects

multiplier

1. The number by which another number is multiplied.

Word History and Origins

Origin of multiplier¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75; multiply ¹, -er ¹

Example Sentences

Cuba, for its part, has for more than a decade embedded intelligence and internal security advisers across Venezuela’s military services, an underdiscussed force multiplier that helps the regime police dissent and maintain loyalty.

Read more on Salon

They are a potent military force multiplier in deterring conflict.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

This is talent the U.S. needs, and immigration is a force multiplier for American innovation.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Manufacturing remains the key to productivity growth, packs a far higher multiplier effect on local economies than retail, trade or finance and generally pays far higher wages.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"Losing these good quality jobs would have a big impact in terms of wages for workers and also a knock-on effect in terms of the multiplier on the local economy."

Read more on BBC