ˈməltəˌplī(ə)r, -īə noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from multiplien to multiply + -er
: one that multiplies: as
a. : a number by which another number is multiplied — compare multiplicand
b.
(1) : an instrument or device for multiplying or intensifying some effect
multiplier phototube
— compare voltage multiplier
(2) : multiplying coil
c.
(1) : a set of gears causing the spool of a fishing reel to revolve faster than the crank thereby accelerating the speed at which the fishing line is reeled in
(2) or multiplier reel or multiplying reel : a reel so equipped
d. : a key-operated machine or a key-operated mechanism or circuit on a machine (as on a calculating machine) that multiplies figures and records the products
e.
(1) : one of the underground bulbils or offsets by which a multiplier onion increases — compare top onion
(2) chiefly New England : winter onion ; especially : multiplier onion
f. : a factor in the game of skat that is derived by adding 1 for each matador held by the bidder or his opponents, 1 for fulfilling or failing to fulfill the contract, and 1 each for schneider or schwarz and predation thereof and that is used by multiplying by the base value of a game to determine the total score
g. : the ratio of the income held to result from an addition to investment to the amount of such addition
the multiplier , which began as an analysis of the effects of public spending, has thus broadened into a general concept of income formation
— compare accelerator