Mul"ti*ply (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Multiplied (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Multiplying (?).] [F. multiplier, L. multiplicare, fr. multiplex manifold. See Multitude, Complex.]
1.
To increase in number; to make more numerous; to add quantity to.
Impunity will multiply motives to disobedience.
Ames.
2. Math.
To add (any given number or quantity) to itself a certain number of times; to find the product of by multiplication; thus 7 multiplied by 8 produces the number 56; to multiply two numbers. See the Note under Multiplication.
3.
To increase (the amount of gold or silver) by the arts of alchemy.
[Obs.]
Multiplying gear Mach., gear for increasing speed. -- Multiplying lens. Opt. See under Lens.
© Webster 1913.
Mul"ti*ply, v. i.
1.
To become greater in number; to become numerous.
When men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them.
Gen. vi. 1.
2.
To increase in extent and influence; to spread.
The word of God grew and multiplied.
Acts xii. 24.
3.
To increase amount of gold or silver by the arts of alchemy.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.
© Webster 1913.