multiplicatio

Forms

multiplicātiō f (genitive multiplicātiōnis); third declension^[1]

Etymology

It is formed from Latin multiplicō (“to multiply”) + -tiō,^[1][2] a verb from multiplex (“manifold”).^[3][4]

Earliest recorded meaning

The TLL finds it from Vitruvius on,^[2][5] where it is the mathematical operation of multiplication.^[3][6]

Semantic evolution

In the first century AD it also meant any increase in number or quantity: Columella speaks of the increase of crops, and Seneca of the repetition of the moments that make up a life.^[6][3] In mathematics it could also mean a multiple.^[3]

Medieval British writers used it for an increase in size or extent.^[7] English multiplication (mid-14th century) came through Old French.^[4]

Timeline

• c. 84–c. 25 BC – Vitruvius uses it in mathematics.^[3][5]
• 4 BC–AD 65 – Seneca uses it of repetition.^[3][5]
• 1st century AD – Columella uses it of the increase of crops.^[6][5]
• mid-14th century – English borrows multiplication through Old French.^[4]

Meanings

Noun

1. An increase in number or quantity, a multiplying.^[3][6]
2. (mathematics) multiplication; a multiple.^[3][6]

Related words

• English multiplication

References

1. ^ a b Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
2. ^ a b Thesaurus linguae Latinae (1900–), Leipzig: Teubner; Berlin: De Gruyter; open-access ed., Munich: Bayerische Akademie der Wissenschaften
3. ^ a b c d e f g h Glare, P. G. W., ed. (2012), Oxford Latin Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Oxford University Press
4. ^ a b c Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
5. ^ a b c d Köbler, Gerhard (2010), Lateinisches Abkunfts- und Wirkungswörterbuch für Altertum und Mittelalter, online ed., koeblergerhard.de
6. ^ a b c d e Lewis, Charlton T.; Short, Charles (1879), A Latin Dictionary, Oxford: Clarendon Press
7. ^ Latham, R. E., D. R. Howlett, R. K. Ashdowne, et al. (1975–2013), Dictionary of Medieval Latin from British Sources, London: British Academy / Oxford University Press