multipolar

adjective

mul·​ti·​po·​lar ˌməl-tē-ˈpō-lər 

-ˌtī-

1

: having several poles (see pole entry 3)

a multipolar generator

multipolar mitoses

2

: having several dendrites

multipolar neurons

3

: characterized by more than two centers of power or interest

a multipolar world

multipolarity

ˌməl-tē-pō-ˈler-ə-tē 

-ˈla-rə-tē

-ˌtī-

noun

Examples of multipolar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

At the same time, our global leadership is contested by friends, allies and adversaries that seek to create a multipolar world. —Dr. Robert G. Rabil, Sun Sentinel, 15 June 2024

How does India view China’s role in the multipolar world order against its own? —Foreign Affairs, 4 Mar. 2024

Get our country focus on a world that is going to be multipolar. —Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Feb. 2024

Both experts concur that the rise of India’s economy signals the emergence of a multipolar economic world order characterized by simultaneous collaboration and competition, with the far-reaching impact of its growth felt widely. —Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

multipolar

adjective

mul·​ti·​po·​lar ˌməl-ti-ˈpō-lər  -ˌtī- 

1

: having several poles

multipolar mitoses

2

: having several dendrites

multipolar nerve cells

multipolarity

-pō-ˈlar-ət-ē 

noun

plural multipolarities