Note: The word multiplication is sometimes used in mathematics, particularly in multiple algebra, to denote any distributive operation expressed by one symbol upon any quantity or any thing expressed by another symbol. Corresponding extensions of meaning are given to the words multiply, multiplier, multiplicand, and product. Thus, since f(x + y) = fx + fy (see under Distributive), where f(x + y), fx, and fy indicate the results of any distributive operation represented by the symbol f upon x + y, x, and y, severally, then because of many very useful analogies f(x + y) is called the product of f and x + y, and the operation indicated by f is called multiplication. Cf. Facient, n., 2.
3. (Bot.)
Defn: An increase above the normal number of parts, especially of petals; augmentation.
4. The art of increasing gold or silver by magic, — attributed formerly to the alchemists. [Obs.] Chaucer. Multiplication table, a table giving the product of a set of numbers multiplied in some regular way; commonly, a table giving the products of the first ten or twelve numbers multiplied successively by 1, 2, 3, etc., up to 10 or 12.
MULTIPLICATIVE
Mul"ti*pli*ca*tive, a. Etym: [Cf. F. multiplicatif.]
Defn: Tending to multiply; having the power to multiply, or incease numbers.
MULTIPLICATIVELY
Mul"ti*pli*ca*tive*ly, adv.
Defn: So as to multiply.
MULTIPLICATOR
Mul"ti*pli*ca`tor, n. Etym: [L.: cf. F. multiplicateur. Cf.
Multiplier.]
Defn: The number by which another number is multiplied; a multiplier.