mul|ti|ply

mul|ti|ply¹ «MUHL tuh ply», verb, -plied, -ply|ing.

–v.t.

1. to take (a number or quantity) a given number of times: »

To multiply 16 by 3 means to take 16 three times, making 48.

2. to increase the number or amount of: »

Fear multiplies the difficulties of life.

3. to increase by procreation: »

that all creatures might be tempted to multiply their kind, and fill the world with inhabitants (Joseph Addison).

4. to produce (animals or plants) by propagation.

–v.i.

1. to grow in number; increase: »

As we climbed up the mountain the dangers and difficulties multiplied.

2. to increase in number by natural generation or procreation: »

Be fruitful, and multiply (Genesis 1:22).

3. to perform the process of multiplication: »

The little boy can add, subtract, and multiply, but he cannot divide.

╂[< Old French multiplier < Latin multiplicāre < multiplex, -icis < multus many + -plex- fold]

mul|ti|ply² «MUHL tuh plee», adverb.

in a multiple or manifold way; in the manner of a multiple.