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manifold

/ˈmænɪˌfoʊld/ noun

In Latin: multiplex Wiktionary

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about manifold at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

  1. A pipe that has several lateral outlets to or from other pipes.
  2. A lightweight paper used with carbon paper to make multiple copies.
    an original and two manifolds
  3. A set of points such as those of a closed surface or an analogue in three or more dimensions.

verb

  1. Make multiple copies of.
    multiply a letter
  2. Combine or increase by multiplication.
    He managed to multiply his profits

adjective

  1. Many and varied; having many features or forms.
    manifold reasons

Origin

From Middle English manifold, from Old English maniġfeald (“manifold, various, varied, complicated, numerous, abundant, plural”), from Proto-Germanic *managafalþaz, equivalent to many + -fold. Cognate with Middle High German manecvalt (“manifold”), Icelandic margfaldr (“multiple”). Compare also German mannigfaltig (“various”), Dutch menigvoudig (“various”), Danish mangefold (“multiple”), Swedish mångfald (“diversity”).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)