Multiplication
/ˌmʌltɪplɪˈkeɪʃən/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe mathematical operation of combining a number of equal groups to find the total; the act or process of multiplying or being multiplied.
/ˌmʌltɪplɪˈkeɪʃən/
The process of multiplying
Multiplication tables are essential for learning arithmetic.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have a bunch of bags, and each bag has the same number of toys inside. Multiplication is how you quickly figure out how many toys there are in total. For example, if you have 3 bags with 2 toys each, multiplication tells you there are 6 toys (3 x 2 = 6).
👶 For kids: When you multiply, you're adding a number to itself many times. Like if you have 2 cookies, and your friend gives you 2 more, and then you have 4 cookies!
More Examples
The teacher explained the rules of multiplication.
Multiplication is used to calculate area.
How It's Used
"Multiplication is a fundamental arithmetic operation."
"The multiplication of cells occurs through division."
The act or process of increasing something, usually in number or quantity, greatly.
/ˌmʌltɪplɪˈkeɪʃən/
The act or process of increasing something greatly
The rapid multiplication of the virus caused a widespread outbreak.
💡 Simply: Multiplication can also mean making something bigger or more numerous. For instance, you can see how fast germs multiply. The spread of rumors can be called multiplication too!
👶 For kids: When something gets bigger and bigger, like when puppies are born to a dog, that's like multiplication.
More Examples
There was a sudden multiplication of resources available.
The multiplication of the company's sales was impressive.
How It's Used
"The company experienced a multiplication of profits after the new campaign."
"The multiplication of bacteria can lead to infection."
From Latin *multiplicatio*, from *multiplicare* ('to multiply'), which comes from *multus* ('many') and *plicare* ('to fold'). It originally referred to the act of increasing the number of something.
Used in mathematical and theological contexts since the Middle Ages, with the modern mathematical meaning becoming firmly established by the 17th century.
Memory tip
Think of it as adding the same number many times.
Word Origin
"to multiply (to increase the number of)"