multiplier
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.
“In the equation 5 times 3, the number 3 is the multiplier.”
“Economists argue that government investment in infrastructure has a high multiplier effect on the local economy.”
“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.”
Commonly used in the phrase 'multiplier effect' to describe a chain reaction of growth.
“Climate change is "not the origin of these injustices, but a threat multiplier", he added.”
“This reframes Florida’s position in fifth place, where its unusually large elderly driving population likely acts as a multiplier, helping contextualize why Texas and California remain in the upper tier.”
From multiply + -er.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.