verb

multiply

To calculate a product or increase in number.

I multiply the price by three to find the total.

Etymology

Latin multiplicare means to increase manyfold. The arithmetic sense makes that repeated increase precise by calculating the product of quantities.

More examples

  • The worksheet asks us to multiply fractions.
  • Bacteria multiply quickly in warm conditions.
  • Her responsibilities have multiplied since she became a manager.

Forms

multiply · multiplies · multiplied · multiplying

multiplication noun — The calculation of a product from numbers.

multiplier noun — A number used to multiply another.

Similar words

increase
Increase covers growth in amount or size, not just number.
proliferate
Proliferate emphasizes a rapid increase in numbers or spread.