What does multiplicator mean?
A multiplicator is something that multiplies: most commonly, it is the number by which another number is multiplied. For example, in calculating a total price, the number of items may function as a multiplicator, with the price of one item as the multiplicand. The term can also refer to a device, circuit, or mechanism that performs multiplication, particularly in mathematics, engineering, and computing. Although its meaning is broadly similar to that of “multiplier,” “multiplicator” is less common in contemporary English and sounds more technical or formal. It is useful in technical contexts where the distinction between the value being multiplied and the value doing the multiplying needs to remain explicit.
nounA multiplicator is a number, quantity, device, or other factor that multiplies another number or quantity. In mathematics and computing, the term most often denotes the value or mechanism by which a given quantity is multiplied.
- A number or quantity by which another number or quantity is multiplied.
- A device, component, or mechanism that performs multiplication.
"The multiplier settings determine how much each unit contributes to the final total."
"A common multiplicator in elementary arithmetic is ten."
"The circuit contains a multiplicator that increases the signal strength."
The plural is used when referring to multiple multiplying values, quantities, or mechanisms.
"The two multiplicators determine the final result."
Multiplicator comes from the Latin multiplicator, literally “one who or that which multiplies.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does multiplicator come from?
Multiplicator derives from the Latin noun multiplicator, meaning “a multiplier” or “one who multiplies.” That form is based on multiplicare, “to multiply,” which in turn comes from multus, meaning “many” or “much.” English later developed the more familiar forms multiply, multiplication, and multiplier, while multiplicator remained chiefly in mathematical and technical use.
Related word forms
How multiplicator is actually used
The word is mathematically and technically understandable but is less common in everyday English than “multiplier.” Its meaning may refer either to the value used in a calculation or to an actual device that multiplies.
Easily confused with multiplicator
A multiplicand is the number or quantity being multiplied, whereas a multiplicator is the number or mechanism multiplying it.