plüˈraləd.ē, plu̇ˈ-, pləˈ-, -lətē, -i noun
( -es )
Etymology: Middle English pluralite, from Middle French pluralité large number, from Late Latin pluralitat-, pluralitas, from Latin pluralis plural + -itat-, -itas -ity
1.
a. : the state of being plural
plurality of causes
noun endings expressing plurality
b. : the state of being numerous
c. : a large number or quantity : multitude
2.
a. : the holding by one person of two or more benefices or livings at one time
b. : any of the benefices or livings so held
c. : the holding by one person of two or more offices or positions at one time
3.
a. : a number greater than another number
b. : an excess of votes over those cast for an opposing candidate
c. : a number of votes cast for a candidate in a contest of more than two candidates that is greater than the number cast for any other candidate but not more than half the total votes cast — distinguished from majority