multiply
UK: ˈmʌltɪplaɪ | US: ˈmʌltɪplaɪ
vt. to increase in number by reproduction or repeated addition
vi. to grow in number or quantity
adj. (archaic) manifold; multiple
multi<many> + ply<fold>
- multi: From Latin multus (many), retained in English as a prefix indicating multiplicity (e.g., multilingual, multifaceted).
- ply: From Latin plicare (to fold), evolving into English to denote repetition or layering (e.g., reply, comply).
Etymology Origin:
The word multiply originated in Middle English via Old French multiplier, from Latin multiplicare ("to increase, repeat"). The morphemes reflect a literal sense of "folding many times," metaphorically extended to numerical replication (arithmetic) and biological reproduction. The arithmetic sense (e.g., "multiply 3 by 4") emerged in the 14th century, while the biological usage ("cells multiply") appeared later.
Rabbits multiply rapidly if left unchecked.
To calculate the area, multiply the length by the width.
The bacteria began to multiply in the warm environment.
The company aims to multiply its profits within five years.
(Archaic) "A multiply wounded soldier staggered back to camp."