multiplicity

noun

mul·​ti·​plic·​i·​ty ˌməl-tə-ˈpli-sə-tē 

plural multiplicities

1

a

: the quality or state of being multiple or various

b

: the number of components in a system (such as a multiplet or a group of energy levels)

2

: a great number

3

: the number of times a root of an equation or zero of a function occurs when there is more than one root or zero

the multiplicity of x = 2 for the equation (x − 2)³ = 0 is 3

Synonyms

• loads
• ton
• plenty
• dozen
• slew
• quantity
• wealth
• deal
• abundance
• bunch
• lot
• pile
• chunk
• myriad
• raft

Examples of multiplicity in a Sentence

a multiplicity of suggestions for turning the company around

Shakespeare's works seem to encompass the full multiplicity of human experience.

Recent Examples on the Web

Even his gothic tales explore the grimmest of themes in all their multiplicity, whether in the beat of a disembodied heart pulled from the ribcage of a mutilated corpse or the haunting specter of death cursing aristocrats gathered in the penitential sepulcher of their castle. —Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2025

Coriander seeds have a citrusy flavor and are used in a multiplicity of recipes, while coriander root plays a major role in Thai cuisine. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 26 Sep. 2025

By removing color, the focus shifts to texture, light, gesture, and gaze — emphasizing the nuances of connection and the multiplicity of what love can look like beyond normative, romanticized ideals. —Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2025

In recent years, children’s literature has become increasingly diverse, involving a multiplicity of voices and perspectives. —Simran Jeet Singh, Big Think, 20 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French multiplicité, from Late Latin multiplicitat-, multiplicitas, from Latin multiplic-, multiplex

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for multiplicity

• authenticity
• chromaticity
• concentricity
• domesticity
• eccentricity
• elasticity
• electricity
• iconicity
• metallicity
• specificity
• synchronicity
• analyticity

Kids Definition

multiplicity

noun

mul·​ti·​plic·​i·​ty ˌməl-tə-ˈplis-ət-ē 

plural multiplicities

1

: the quality or state of being multiple or various

2

: a great number

Medical Definition

multiplicity

noun

mul·​ti·​plic·​i·​ty ˌməl-tə-ˈplis-ət-ē 

plural multiplicities

1

: the quality or state of being multiple or various

2

: the ratio of the number of infectious particles (as of a bacteriophage) to the number of cells at risk

monolayer cultures … were infected at an effective multiplicity of approximately 100

—J. J. Holland

Legal Definition

multiplicity

noun

mul·​ti·​plic·​i·​ty ˌməl-tə-ˈpli-sə-tē 

plural multiplicities

1

a

: the quality or state of being multiple or various

b

: the charging of a single criminal act or offense as multiple separate charges or counts of an indictment or information

multiplicity does not require dismissal of the indictment

—W. R. LaFave and J. H. Israel

compare duplicity sense 2, misjoinder

Note: Multiplicity raises the risk of violating the double jeopardy protection against receiving multiple sentences for a single offense. Multiplicity is a defect that can be corrected without dismissal of the case.

2

: a great number

joinder is allowed to avoid a multiplicity of actions