Manifold

'mænɪfəʊld

adjectivemedium📊CommonGeneral
3 meanings3 questions

Definitions

3 meanings
1

Of many kinds; numerous and diverse.

'mænɪfəʊld

adjectiveneutralmedium
General

Numerous and varied in kind.

The museum showcased a manifold collection of artifacts from ancient civilizations.

💡 Simply: Imagine you have a bunch of different kinds of toys – cars, dolls, building blocks, etc. That's like having a manifold collection, meaning you have many different things.

👶 For kids: Having many different types of things.

More Examples

2

The challenges faced by the organization were manifold and required a multifaceted approach.

3

The benefits of a healthy lifestyle are manifold, including increased energy and improved well-being.

How It's Used

Literary

"The author explores the manifold aspects of human nature."

Technical

"The engine has a manifold system that distributes fuel to the cylinders."

2

A pipe or chamber with several openings used for distributing or collecting fluids.

'mænɪfəʊld

nounneutralmedium
General

A pipe or chamber having several openings, as for the distribution or collection of a fluid.

The mechanic replaced the cracked intake manifold of the engine.

💡 Simply: Think of a central hub that distributes something, like the pipes that send gas to different parts of an engine. That's the manifold.

👶 For kids: A special pipe that sends stuff to many places.

More Examples

2

The manifold efficiently distributes coolant throughout the system.

3

The exhaust manifold helps to channel the gases away from the engine.

How It's Used

Engineering

"The car's intake manifold supplies air and fuel to the cylinders."

Manufacturing

"The manifold in the factory distributes gases to various machines."

Tip:Think of a pipe system with many openings, like the folds of something distributing something to many things.
3

To make multiple; multiply.

'mænɪfəʊld

verbformalAdvanced
General

To make manifold; multiply.

The project aimed to manifold the impact of the research.

💡 Simply: To increase something, or to make something multiple.

👶 For kids: To make something many.

More Examples

2

The company sought to manifold its profits through strategic investments.

How It's Used

Archaic

"The artist manifolded his efforts to create the masterpiece."

Tip:Picture something being made 'many-folded'.

From Middle English, from Old English *manigfeald* ('manyfold'), equivalent to *many* + *-fold*.

Used historically to describe things having many parts or qualities.

Memory tip

Think of many folds in a cloth, representing the many different things.

Word Origin

LanguageOld English
Original meaning

"many + -fold"

Base: fold
manifold benefitsmanifold challengesintake manifoldexhaust manifold

Common misspellings

manifordmannifold

Usage

20%Spoken
80%Written