verb
multiply
MUHL-tihp-leye
verb
1
To perform the mathematical operation that combines a number with itself a given number of times.
"Multiply six by seven and you get forty-two."
2
To increase greatly in number or amount.
"Rabbits multiply quickly if left unchecked."
"Her problems seemed to multiply the longer she ignored them."
How to Use Multiply
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo combine numbers mathematically, or more broadly to grow rapidly in number.
Common pairings
multiply by
multiply rapidly
Word Forms
multiplied past tense, multiplies plural, multiplies singular
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_____ six by seven and you get forty-two.
Etymology
From Old French multiplier, from Latin multiplicare, built from multi- ("many") and plicare ("to fold").