v. (-ies, -ied) 1 tr. (also absol.) obtain from (a number) another that is a specified number of times its value (multiply 6 by 4 and you get 24). 2 intr. increase in number esp. by procreation. 3 tr. produce a large number of (instances etc.). 4 tr. a breed (animals). b propagate (plants).
[ ME f. OF multiplier f. L multiplicare (as MULTIPLEX) ]