multiplier

Etymology

multiply +‎ -er.

Pronunciation

• enPR: mŭlʹ-tĭ-plī'-ər, IPA^(key): /ˈmʌltɪˌplaɪəɹ/
  • (UK) IPA^(key): [ˈmʌɫ.tɪ.ˌplaɪ.ə(ɹ)]
  • (US) IPA^(key): [ˈmʌɫ.tɪ.ˌplaɪ.ɚ]
• Hyphenation: mul‧ti‧pli‧er

Noun

multiplier (plural multipliers)

1. (arithmetic) A number by which another (the multiplicand) is to be multiplied.

   In the expression 5 × 7, the "5" is a multiplier.

   The score multiplier increases each time you complete a level of the video game.

2. (grammar) An adjective indicating the number of times something is to be multiplied.

   English multipliers include "double" and "triple".

3. (economics) A ratio used to estimate total economic effect for a variety of economic activities.
4. (physics) Any of several devices used to enhance a signal
   1. (physics, obsolete) a coil; when Johann Schweigger in 1820 invented the electric coil, increasing the electro-magnetic field from a single wire, this invention was called a multiplier.
5. A multiplier onion.
   • 1995, Marian Coonse, Onions, Leeks and Garlic: A Handbook for Gardeners (page 52)

     Shallots are the most prolific of all the multipliers, and easier to grow than onions.

Coordinate terms

• (grammar): cardinal number, distributive number, ordinal number

Anagrams

• multiperil

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin multiplicāre, present active infinitive of multiplicō. In Old French, variant forms molteplier and monteplier existed.

Verb

multiplier

1. (mathematics) to multiply
2. to multiply
3. (reflexive) to multiply, to increase

Further reading

• “multiplier” in le Trésor de la langue française informatisé (The Digitized Treasury of the French Language).