mul·ti·ply 
/ˈmʌltəˌplaɪ/ verb
mul·ti·plies; mul·ti·plied; mul·ti·ply·ing /ˈmʌltəˌplaɪ/ verb 1 a [no obj] : to increase greatly in number or amount : to become much more numerous
▪ Complaints about the new procedure soon multiplied. ▪ Her responsibilities multiplied when she was promoted.
b [+ obj] : to cause (something) to increase greatly in number or amount
▪ Her responsibilities were multiplied by the promotion. 2 [no obj] : to increase in number by reproducing
▪ The bacteria multiply rapidly in warm, moist conditions. 3 mathematics : to add a number to itself a certain number of times [+ obj] ▪ If you multiply 5 by 2 you get 10. = If you multiply 5 and 2 (together) you get 10. = 5 multiplied by 2 equals 10. [no obj] ▪ The teacher taught the children how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide. — compare divide
▪ Complaints about the new procedure soon multiplied. ▪ Her responsibilities multiplied when she was promoted.
b [+ obj] : to cause (something) to increase greatly in number or amount
▪ Her responsibilities were multiplied by the promotion.
▪ The bacteria multiply rapidly in warm, moist conditions.
