multiplex

Other forms: multiplexes

A multiplex is like a movie lover’s paradise — a big building packed with many theaters, so you can decide whether you’re in the mood for an action flick, a comedy, or the latest animated hit, all under one roof.

The word multiplex us built from multi-, meaning "many," and plex, meaning "having parts or units." Originally, it described something complex or made up of many parts, and it still does. It also describes communication systems that carry multiple signals on the same channel. But today, the more common meaning of multiplex is a large cinema complex with multiple theaters showing different movies.

Definitions of multiplex

1. noun

   a movie theater than has several different auditoriums in the same building
   type of:

   cinema, movie house, movie theater, movie theatre, picture palace

   a theater where films are shown
2. noun

   a system that communicates two or more signals over a common channel
   type of:

   telecom, telecommunication

   (often plural) systems used in transmitting messages over a distance electronically
3. adjective

   many and varied; having many features or forms
   “the multiplex opportunities in high technology”

   synonyms: manifold

   multiple

   having or involving or consisting of more than one part or entity or individual
4. adjective

   having many parts or aspects
   synonyms:

   complex

   complicated in structure; consisting of interconnected parts