Multiplex
/ˈmʌl.tɪ.pleks/noun
Having many parts, functions, or channels; especially a cinema with several auditoriums.
Did you know?The Latin adjective multiplex originally described something composed of many folds or layers, long before English used it for multi-screen cinemas and complex communication systems.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*mel-
“Much, numerous, or great in amount; the distant root behind Latin multus.”
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*plek-
“To weave, plait, or fold; the root behind Latin plicare and plectere.”
Classical Latin
Latin
multiplex
“Many-fold, manifold, having many parts; formed from multus, “many,” and -plex, “folded.””
Medieval Latin
Latin
multiplex
“Manifold or varied; used in learned and theological writing for things possessing many aspects.”
17th Century
English
multiplex
“Manifold or consisting of many elements; adopted as a learned English adjective.”
20th Century
English
multiplex
“A system carrying multiple signals, and later a cinema complex containing multiple screens.”