\Mul`ti*pli*ca"tion\, n. [L. multiplicatio: cf.
F. multiplication. See {Multiply}.]
1. The act or process of multiplying, or of increasing in
   number; the state of being multiplied; as, the
   multiplication of the human species by natural generation.
         The increase and multiplication of the world.
                                               --Thackeray.
2. (Math.) The process of repeating, or adding to itself, any
   given number or quantity a certain number of times;
   commonly, the process of ascertaining by a briefer
   computation the result of such repeated additions; also,
   the rule by which the operation is performed; -- the
   reverse of division.
Note: The word multiplication is sometimes used in
      mathematics, particularly in multiple algebra, to
      denote any distributive operation expressed by one
      symbol upon any quantity or any thing expressed by
      another symbol. Corresponding extensions of meaning are
      given to the words multiply, multiplier, multiplicand,
      and product. Thus, since [phi](x + y) = [phi]x + [phi]y
      (see under {Distributive}), where [phi](x + y), [phi]x,
      and [phi]y indicate the results of any distributive
      operation represented by the symbol [phi] upon x + y,
      x, and y, severally, then because of many very useful
      analogies [phi](x + y) is called the product of [phi]
      and x + y, and the operation indicated by [phi] is
      called multiplication. Cf. {Facient}, n., 2.
3. (Bot.) An increase above the normal number of parts,
   especially of petals; augmentation.
4. The art of increasing gold or silver by magic, --
   attributed formerly to the alchemists. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
{Multiplication table}, a table giving the product of a set
   of numbers multiplied in some regular way; commonly, a
   table giving the products of the first ten or twelve
   numbers multiplied successively by 1, 2, 3, etc., up to 10
   or 12.