multiplicities

Noun

multiplicity (countable and uncountable, plural multiplicities)

1. The state of being made of multiple diverse elements.
   • Any failure of their predictions can be explained away by saying that the theory is not a schematic one, that a multiplicity of factors have to be considered, etc.1978 [1976], Leszek Kołakowski, translated by P[aul] S[teven] Falla, Main Currents of Marxism, volume I: The Founders, Oxford: Clarendon Press, translation of Główne nurty marksizmu: powstanie (in...

   Synonyms:

   manifoldness, manyhood, manyness, morefold, multeity, multipleness, nonunity, numerousness

2. A large indeterminate number.
   • The coronary Thorns did not only express the scorn of the imposers, by that figure into which they were contrived; but did also pierce his tender and sacred temples to a multiplicity of pains, by their numerous acuminations.1659, John Pearson, “Article IV”, in An Exposition of the Creed, 5th edition, published 1683, page 189

   Synonyms:

   abundance, battalion, arseload, assload, bellyload, boatload, brimful, busload, bucketful, bucketload

3. The number of values for which a given condition holds.
4. The number of instances that can occur on a given end of a relationship.
5. (statistical mechanics) The number of microstates associated with a given macrostate.
   • In short , we are not replacing the old idea that “entropy is the logarithm of the multiplicity (times Boltzmann's constant). ” Rather , we are retaining that idea but are generalizing the notion of multiplicity.1999, Ralph Baierlein, Thermal Physics, Cambridge University Press, →ISBN, page 329
6. The condition whereby a person displays or experiences multiple distinct personalities or selves in one body.

   Synonyms:

   plurality, systemhood