multiples

Noun

multiple (plural multiples)

1. A whole number that is obtained by multiplying a specific whole number by another whole number.
   • 14, 21 and 70 are multiples of 7
2. Price-earnings ratio.
3. One of a set of the same thing; a duplicate.
   • One might view this attempt to ensure the scarcity of a multiple as both a marketing ploy and form of elitism.1996, Southeastern College Art Conference Review
4. (multiplicity) A single individual who displays or experiences multiple personalities or selves.
   • I had seen its first show when it was a freebie, but I thought it made multiples in general look silly – no one changes clothes THAT much!2010, Ann M. Garvey, Ann's Multiple World of Personality: Regular No Cream, No Sugar

   Synonyms:

   system

5. One of a set of siblings produced by a multiple birth.
6. A chain store.
   • The big advantage such multiples can offer over a purely catalogue operation is that winners can be given shopping vouchers enabling them to choose from goods on display in the multiples' many outlets (Woolworths, for example, has 1,000).1979, Management Today, page 96

See all 11 meanings of multiple