2. (Math.) The process of repeating, or adding to itself, any given number or quantity a certain number
of times; commonly, the process of ascertaining by a briefer computation the result of such repeated
additions; also, the rule by which the operation is performed; — the reverse of division.
The word multiplication is sometimes used in mathematics, particularly in multiple algebra, to denote
any distributive operation expressed by one symbol upon any quantity or any thing expressed by another
symbol. Corresponding extensions of meaning are given to the words multiply, multiplier, multiplicand,
and product. Thus, since &phi(x + y) = &phix + &phiy (see under Distributive), where &phi &phix, and
&phiy indicate the results of any distributive operation represented by the symbol &phi upon x + y, x,
and y, severally, then because of many very useful analogies &phi(x + y) is called the product of &phi
and x + y, and the operation indicated by &phi is called multiplication. Cf. Facient, n., 2.
3. (Bot.) An increase above the normal number of parts, especially of petals; augmentation.
4. The art of increasing gold or silver by magic, — attributed formerly to the alchemists. [Obs.] Chaucer.
Multiplication table, a table giving the product of a set of numbers multiplied in some regular way; commonly,
a table giving the products of the first ten or twelve numbers multiplied successively by 1, 2, 3, etc., up
to 10 or 12.
Multiplicative
(Mul"ti*pli*ca*tive) a. [Cf. F. multiplicatif.] Tending to multiply; having the power to multiply,
or incease numbers.
Multiplicatively
(Mul"ti*pli*ca*tive*ly), adv. So as to multiply.
Multiplicator
(Mul"ti*pli*ca`tor) n. [L.: cf. F. multiplicateur. Cf. Multiplier.] The number by which another
number is multiplied; a multiplier.
Multiplicious
(Mul`ti*pli"cious) a. [See Multiplex.] Manifold. [Obs.]
Multiplicity
(Mul`ti*plic"ity) n. [Cf. F. multiplicité.] The quality of being multiple, manifold, or various; a
state of being many; a multitude; as, a multiplicity of thoughts or objects. "A multiplicity of goods." South.
Multiplier
(Mul"ti*pli`er) n. [Cf. F. multiplier. Cf. Multiplicator.]
1. One who, or that which, multiplies or increases number.
2. (Math.) The number by which another number is multiplied. See the Note under Multiplication.
3. (Physics) An instrument for multiplying or increasing by repetition or accumulation the intensity of a
force or action, as heat or electricity. It is particularly used to render such a force or action appreciable
or measurable when feeble. See Thermomultiplier.
Multiply
(Mul"ti*ply) v. t. [imp. & p. p. Multiplied ; p. pr. & vb. n. Multiplying ] [F. multiplier, L. multiplicare,
fr. multiplex manifold. See Multitude, Complex.]
1. To increase in number; to make more numerous; to add quantity to.
Impunity will multiply motives to disobedience.
Ames. 2. (Math.) To add (any given number or quantity) to itself a certain number of times; to find the product
of by multiplication; thus 7 multiplied by 8 produces the number 56; to multiply two numbers. See the
Note under Multiplication.
3. To increase (the amount of gold or silver) by the arts of alchemy. [Obs.]
