ENGLISH
REFERENCE

multiplier

n. countable
C1 Advanced US //ˈməɫtəˌpɫaɪɝ// UK //mˈʌltɪplˌaɪə// mul·ti·pli·er Archaic

n. a number that you multiply another number by. In business or science, it also describes a factor that causes a much larger increase in a total result.

n. a quantity by which a given number is to be multiplied. In macroeconomics, it refers to a factor by which an initial change in spending causes a larger change in national income.


SIMPLE

In the equation 5 times 3, the number 3 is the multiplier.

CONTEXTUAL

Economists argue that government investment in infrastructure has a high multiplier effect on the local economy.

COMPLEX

The fiscal multiplier measures the ratio in which a change in government spending causes a change in the overall gross domestic product, reflecting the broader impact of initial capital injections.

Origin

From multiply + -er.

Usage

Commonly used in the phrase 'multiplier effect' to describe a chain reaction of growth.

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