/ ˈmʌltɪplaɪ; NAmE / verb ( multi·plies , multi·ply·ing , multi·plied , multi·plied )
1.
multiply (A by B) | multiply A and B (together) to add a number to itself a particular number of times :
[ v ]
The children are already learning to multiply and divide.
[ vn ]
2 multiplied by 4 is / equals / makes 8 (2×4 = 8)
Multiply 2 and 6 together and you get 12.
2.
to increase or make sth increase very much in number or amount :
[ v ]
Our problems have multiplied since last year.
[ vn ]
Cigarette smoking multiplies the risk of cancer.
3.
( biology ) to reproduce in large numbers; to make sth do this :
[ v ]
Rabbits multiply rapidly.
[ vn ]
It is possible to multiply these bacteria in the laboratory.
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French multiplier , from Latin multiplicare .