I. ˌməltəˈplisəd.ē, -ətē, -i noun
( -es )
Etymology: Middle French multiplicité, from Late Latin multiplicitat-, multiplicitas, from Latin multiplic-, multiplex multiple + -itat-, -itas -ity
1. : the quality or state of being multiple, manifold, or various : multiple or multiform character : multifariousness
try to reduce the incomprehensible multiplicity of the universe to a comprehensible simplicity — F.L.Mott
the multiplicity and heterogeneity of our environment — Hunter Mead
there is a vast multiplicity of duty for the squadron commander — H.H.Arnold & I.C.Eaker
2. : a great number
a multiplicity of interesting paths crossed the featureless land — E.E.Shipton
booklet is unfortunately marred by a multiplicity of minor errors — R.S.Churchill
3.
a. : the number of components or sublevels in a given electronic multiple-energy state
b. : the number of components of a multiplet
II. noun
: the number of times a root of an equation or zero of a function occurs when there is more than one root or zero