/ ˈmænɪfəʊld; NAmE -foʊld/ adjective , noun
■ adjective
( formal ) many; of many different types :
The possibilities were manifold.
■ noun
( technical ) a pipe or chamber with several openings for taking gases in and out of a car engine :
the exhaust manifold
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WORD ORIGIN
Old English manigfeald ; current noun senses date from the mid 19th cent.