multiplicative

adjective

mul·​ti·​pli·​ca·​tive ˌməl-tə-ˈpli-kə-tiv  ˈməl-tə-plə-ˌkā-tiv 

1

: tending or having the power to multiply

2

: of, relating to, or associated with a mathematical operation of multiplication

the multiplicative property of 0 requires that a × 0 = 0 and 0 × a = 0

multiplicatively adverb

Examples of multiplicative in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

One of Belichick’s great gifts is eking out small but multiplicative advantages by living on the limits (or, given the controversies the Patriots have been involved in, perhaps over them). —Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 15 Dec. 2024

Since your brain is already wired to connect, leaning into that tendency offers multiplicative potential. —Kevin Kruse, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

The same can be done with exponential functions characterized by constant multiplicative change. —Patrick Honner, Quanta Magazine, 22 Mar. 2024

In 1969, the mathematician Volker Strassen revealed a more complicated procedure that could multiply 2-by-2 matrices in just seven multiplicative steps and 18 additions. —Quanta Magazine, 7 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing multiplicative

• multiplicative identity
• multiplicative inverse

Kids Definition

multiplicative

adjective

mul·​ti·​pli·​ca·​tive ˌməl-tə-ˈplik-ət-iv  ˈməl-tə-plə-ˌkāt- 

: of, relating to, or associated with a mathematical operation of multiplication