Multiplication \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.
      [1913 Webster]

            The increase and multiplication of the world.
                                                  --Thackeray.
      [1913 Webster]

   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.
      [1913 Webster]

   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.
         [1913 Webster]

   3. (Bot.) An increase above the normal number of parts,
      especially of petals; augmentation.
      [1913 Webster]

   4. The art of increasing gold or silver by magic, --
      attributed formerly to the alchemists. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
      [1913 Webster]

   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. Called also a times table, used by students in
      elementary school prior to memorization of the table.
      [1913 Webster]