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.

Example Sentences

District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who has the unenviable task of trying to apply the court’s delphic opinion to the manifold allegations in Smith’s indictment.

From Los Angeles Times

For all humanitarian efforts, “the risks are manifold,” Daniel Dieckhaus, USAID’s response director for Gaza, said at a briefing with Cooper.

From Seattle Times

But it’s easy to miss the score’s manifold beauties when the stage is full of distractions.

From New York Times

"The output probabilities of these networks were neatly clustered together on these thin manifolds in gigantic spaces."

From Science Daily

She may have a narcissistic ruthlessness, but she’s also indecisive and weak, desperate for love, easily manipulated by manifold toadies.

From New York Times