Multiple
/ˈmʌl.tɪ.pəl/noun
Made up of, or existing in, many parts or elements.
Did you know?It comes from Latin multiplex, literally ‘many-fold,’ from multus (‘many’) + plicare (‘to fold’), the same root that gave English words tied to folding, twisting, and even complex layered forms.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*plek-
“to weave, plait, fold”
Latin
Latin
multus
“many, much”
Latin
Latin
multiplex
“many-fold; numerous; manifold”
Late Latin
Latin
multiplicāre
“to multiply, increase; make many”
Old French
Old French
multiple
“manifold, having many parts”
Middle English
English
multiple
“having many parts or elements”