Multiple

(múl'tĭ-pl), a. [Fr. multiple, L. Lat. multiplus, for multiplex, q. v.] Containing more than once, or more than one; manifold.

n. (Math.) A quantity containing another a certain number of times without a remainder.

☞ A common multiple of two or more numbers contains each of them a certain number of times exactly; thus, 24 is a common multiple of 3 and 4. The least common multiple is the least number that will do this; thus, 12 is the least common multiple of 3 and 4.

Multiple or collective fruits (Bot.), masses or aggregations of fruits, springing from several distinct blossoms, united into one body. Gray.—Multiple stars (Astron.), several stars in close proximity, which revolve round a common center. Nichol.