Definition

1. Noun:
   • An arithmetic operation: The mathematical process of combining groups of equal size to find a total quantity. It is the inverse operation of division.
   • A multiplicative increase: A significant or rapid increase in number, amount, or degree, often as a result of repeated processes.
   • The act of producing offspring: The biological process of reproduction, leading to an increase in numbers.

Usage and Examples

• As an arithmetic operation:
  • The multiplication of four by three gives twelve.
  • Learning basic multiplication is essential for mathematics.
• As a multiplicative increase:
  • The multiplication of errors in the report made it unusable.
  • The rapid multiplication of bacteria in the warm environment caused the infection.
• As the act of reproduction:
  • The multiplication of cells is a fundamental process of life.
  • Conservation efforts aim to support the natural multiplication of the species.

Advanced Usage

• "Multiplication sign": The symbol (× or ·) used to denote the operation of multiplication.
  • In the equation 5 × 3 = 15, the "×" is the multiplication sign.
• "Multiplication table": A chart showing the results of multiplying two numbers, typically from 1 to 12.
  • Students are often required to memorize the multiplication table.

Variants and Related Words

• Multiply (verb): To perform the operation of multiplication; to increase in number.
  • If you multiply six by seven, you get forty-two.
  • Rabbits multiply very quickly.
• Multiplicand (noun): A number that is to be multiplied by another.
• Multiplier (noun): A number by which another number (the multiplicand) is multiplied.
• Multiplicative (adjective): Tending to multiply or relating to multiplication.
  • The drug had a multiplicative effect on cell growth.

Synonyms

• For the arithmetic operation: Times, product calculation.
• For increase: Proliferation, expansion, augmentation.
• For reproduction: Procreation, propagation.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "Multiplication of loaves and fishes": A reference to a biblical miracle, often used idiomatically to describe an unexpected and abundant increase from a small amount.
  • The community's donations resulted in a multiplication of loaves and fishes, feeding far more people than expected.

Noun

1. an arithmetic operation that is the inverse of division; the product of two numbers is computed
   • the multiplication of four by three gives twelve
   • four times three equals twelve
2. a multiplicative increase
   • repeated copying leads to a multiplication of errors
   • this multiplication of cells is a natural correlate of growth
3. the act of producing offspring or multiplying by such production