v. mul·ti·plied, mul·ti·ply·ing, mul·ti·plies v.tr. 1. To increase the amount, number, or degree of. See Synonyms at increase. 2. Mathematics To perform multiplication on. v.intr. 1. To grow in amount, number, or degree: Shops multiplied along the main street. 2. To increase in number by reproducing: "The people increased both in the dales and the plains, and their horses multiplied" (J.R.R. Tolkien). 3. Mathematics To perform multiplication. [Middle English multiplien, from Old French multiplier, from Latin multiplicāre, from multiplex, multiplex; see MULTIPLEX.] |
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