polycentric

American  

[pol-ee-sen-trik] / ˌpɒl iˈsɛn trɪk /

adjective

1. having many centers, especially of power or importance.

   the polycentric world of banking.

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Etymology

Origin of polycentric

First recorded in 1885–90; poly- + -centric

Example Sentences

That vast, polycentric mass — long derided by urban experts residing in denser cities — can also be an asset in the years ahead as autonomous mobility becomes ubiquitous.

From Los Angeles Times

Compared to "monocentric" development, "polycentric" spatial patterns better distributethe density of urban cores and curb the sprawl of impervious, heat-absorbing surfaces, according to the analysis of 50 city regions in Germany.

From Science Daily

Particularly in larger urban areas, polycentric development can moderatethe urban heat island effect, when built-up areas can be several degrees hotter than surrounding rural areas -- a potentially dangerous phenomenon during heat waves that are expected to grow more common due to climate change.

From Science Daily

Schmidt and Li said the findings have implications for regional-level planning that are already institutionalized in German and European systems that promote polycentric development as a goal.

From Science Daily

“You have to imagine a polycentric system, where each center plays its role in the setting of an orchestra.”

From Slate