Mul`ti*plic"ity (?), n. [Cf. F. multiplicité.] The quality of being
multiple, manifold, or various; a state of being many; a multitude; as,
a multiplicity of thoughts or objects. "A multiplicity of goods."
South.
Mul"ti*pli`er (?), n. [Cf. F. multiplier. Cf. Multiplicator.] 1. One
who, or that which, multiplies or increases number.
2. (Math.) The number by which another number is multiplied. See the
Note under Multiplication.
3. (Physics) An instrument for multiplying or increasing by repetition
or accumulation the intensity of a force or action, as heat or
electricity. It is particularly used to render such a force or action
appreciable or measurable when feeble. See Thermomultiplier.
Mul"ti*ply (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Multiplied (?); p. pr. & vb. n.
Multiplying (?).] [F. multiplier, L. multiplicare, fr. multiplex
manifold. See Multitude, Complex.] 1. To increase in number; to make
more numerous; to add quantity to.
Impunity will multiply motives to disobedience.
Ames.
2. (Math.) To add (any given number or quantity) to itself a certain
number of times; to find the product of by multiplication; thus 7
multiplied by 8 produces the number 56; to multiply two numbers. See
the Note under Multiplication.
3. To increase (the amount of gold or silver) by the arts of alchemy.
[Obs.]
Multiplying gear (Mach.), gear for increasing speed. -- Multiplying
lens. (Opt.) See under Lens.
Mul"ti*ply, v. i. 1. To become greater in number; to become numerous.
When men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters
were born unto them.
Gen. vi. 1.