Definition of "multiplier" []

• One that multiplies: This old house is a multiplier of expenses. (noun)
• Mathematics The number by which another number is multiplied. In 8 × 32, the multiplier is 8. (noun)
• Physics A device, such as a phototube, used to enhance or increase an effect. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "There are good options such as increases in food stamps, and infrastructure spending, for which the multiplier is around 1. 6-1.8."
• ""Having a downsize in employment in a sector that pays very well is not welcome news," Mr. DiNapoli said, citing what he called the "multiplier effect," whereby each lost Wall Street job results in two additional lost jobs in other sectors in the city."
• ""This group has what we call a multiplier effect," Harold said."