1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Multilingual means involving several different languages. □ …a multilingual country. □ …multilingual dictionaries.
2 ADJ A multilingual person is able to speak more than two languages very well. □ He recruited two multilingual engineers.
multi|media /mʌ ltimiː diə/
1 N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] You use multimedia to refer to computer programs and products which involve sound, pictures, and film, as well as text. □ … multimedia theme-park attractions and virtual-reality displays.
2 N‑UNCOUNT In education, multimedia is the use of television and other different media in a lesson, as well as books.
mu lti-millionai re (multi-millionaires ) also multimillionaire N‑COUNT A multi-millionaire is a very rich person who has money or property worth several million pounds or dollars.
multi|na|tion|al /mʌ ltinæ ʃən ə l/ (multinationals ) also multi-national
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A multinational company has branches or owns companies in many different countries. ● N‑COUNT Multinational is also a noun. □ …multinationals such as Ford and IBM.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Multinational armies, organizations, or other groups involve people from several different countries. □ The U.S. troops would be part of a multinational force.
3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Multinational countries or regions have a population that is made up of people of several different nationalities.
mul|ti|play|er /mʌ lt I ple I ə r / ADJ A multiplayer computer or video game is played by more than one player at one time. [COMPUTING ] □ Internet multiplayer games are responsible for much of the increase in broadband use.
multi|ple /mʌ lt I p ə l/ (multiples )
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use multiple to describe things that consist of many parts, involve many people, or have many uses. □ He died of multiple injuries. □ The most common multiple births are twins, two babies born at the same time.
2 N‑COUNT If one number is a multiple of a smaller number, it can be exactly divided by that smaller number. □ [+ of ] Their numerical system, derived from the Babylonians, was based on multiples of the number six.
3 N‑COUNT A multiple or a multiple store is a shop with a lot of branches in different towns. [BRIT ] □ It made it almost impossible for the smaller retailer to compete against the multiples.
mu lti|ple choi ce also multiple-choice ADJ [usu ADJ n] In a multiple choice test or question, you have to choose the answer that you think is right from several possible answers that are listed on the question paper.
multi|ple scle|ro|sis /mʌ lt I p ə l skləroʊ s I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Multiple sclerosis is a serious disease of the nervous system, which gradually makes a person weaker, and sometimes affects their sight or speech. The abbreviation MS is also used.
multi|plex /mʌ ltipleks/ (multiplexes ) N‑COUNT A multiplex is a cinema complex with six or more screens.
multi|pli|ca|tion /mʌ lt I pl I ke I ʃ ə n/
1 N‑UNCOUNT Multiplication is the process of calculating the total of one number multiplied by another. □ There will be simple tests in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
2 N‑UNCOUNT The multiplication of things of a particular kind is the process or fact of them increasing in number or amount. □ [+ of ] Increasing gravity is known to speed up the multiplication of cells.
mu lti|pli|ca |tion sign (multiplication signs ) N‑COUNT A multiplication sign is the sign x which is put between two numbers to show that they are being multiplied.
mu lti|pli|ca |tion ta|ble (multiplication tables ) N‑COUNT A multiplication table is a list of the multiplications of numbers between one and twelve. Children often have to learn multiplication tables at school.
multi|plic|ity /mʌ lt I pl I s I ti/ QUANT A multiplicity of things is a large number or a large variety of them. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] …a writer who uses a multiplicity of styles.
multi|ply /mʌ lt I pla I / (multiplies , multiplying , multiplied )
1 VERB When something multiplies or when you multiply it, it increases greatly in number or amount. □ [V ] Such disputes multiplied in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. □ [V n] The scale of change multiplies the difficulties and the risks involved.
2 VERB When animals and insects multiply , they increase in number by giving birth to large numbers of young. □ [V ] These creatures can multiply quickly.
3 VERB If you multiply one number by another, you add the first number to itself as many times as is indicated by the second number. For example, 2 multiplied by 3 is equal to 6. □ [V n + by ] What do you get if you multiply six by nine? □ [V n] …the remarkable ability to multiply huge numbers correctly without pen or paper.
multi|ra|cial /mʌ ltire I ʃ ə l/ also multi-racial ADJ [usu ADJ n] Multiracial means consisting of or involving people of many different nationalities and cultures. □ We live in a multiracial society.
mu lti-ski lled ADJ Multi-skilled employees have a number of different skills, enabling them to do more than one kind of work. □ …a more adaptable, multi-skilled workforce.
mu lti-ski lling N‑UNCOUNT Multi-skilling is the practice of training employees to do a number of different tasks. □ He said restructuring at the station would lead to increased multi-skilling among staff.
mu lti-sto rey also multistorey , multi-storeyed in AM, use multi-story , multistory , or multi-storied ADJ [usu ADJ n] A multi-storey building has several floors at different levels above the ground. □ …the Moskovski Department Store, a vast multi-story complex near the city's center. □ …a multi-storey car park.