manifold

[ man-uh-fohld ]

adjective

1. of many kinds; numerous and varied:

   manifold duties.

   Synonyms: multitudinous, various

   Antonyms: single, simple

2. having numerous different parts, elements, features, forms, etc.:

   a manifold program for social reform.

   Synonyms: multifarious, divers, varied

3. using, functioning with, or operating several similar or identical devices at the same time.
4. (of paper business forms) made up of a number of sheets interleaved with carbon paper.
5. being such or so designated for many reasons:

   a manifold enemy.

noun

1. something having many different parts or features.
2. a copy or facsimile, as of something written, such as is made by manifolding.
3. any thin, inexpensive paper for making carbon copies on a typewriter.
4. Machinery. a chamber having several outlets through which a liquid or gas is distributed or gathered.
5. Philosophy. (in Kantian epistemology) the totality of discrete items of experience as presented to the mind; the constituents of a sensory experience.
6. Mathematics. a topological space that is connected and locally Euclidean. Compare locally Euclidean space.

verb (used with object)

1. to make copies of, as with carbon paper.

manifold

/ ˈmænɪˌfəʊld /

adjective

1. of several different kinds; multiple

   manifold reasons

2. having many different forms, features, or elements

   manifold breeds of dog

noun

1. something having many varied parts, forms, or features
2. a copy of a page, book, etc
3. a chamber or pipe with a number of inlets or outlets used to collect or distribute a fluid. In an internal-combustion engine the inlet manifold carries the vaporized fuel from the carburettor to the inlet ports and the exhaust manifold carries the exhaust gases away
4. maths
   1. a collection of objects or a set
   2. a topological space having specific properties
5. (in the philosophy of Kant) the totality of the separate elements of sensation which are then organized by the active mind and conceptualized as a perception of an external object

verb

1. tr to duplicate (a page, book, etc)
2. to make manifold; multiply

manifold

/ măn′ə-fōld′ /

1. A topological space or surface.

Derived Forms

• ˈmaniˌfoldly, adverb
• ˈmaniˌfoldness, noun
• ˈmaniˌfolder, noun

Other Words From

• mani·foldly adverb
• mani·foldness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of manifold¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English; Old English manigf(e)ald (adjective). See many, -fold

Word History and Origins

Origin of manifold¹

Old English manigfeald. See many , -fold

Synonym Study

See many.