The Collaborative International Dictionary
Multiple \Mul"ti*ple\, a. [Cf. F. multiple, and E. quadruple, and multiply.] Containing more than once, or more than one; consisting of more than one; manifold; repeated many times; having several, or many, parts.
Law of multiple proportion (Chem.), the generalization that when the same elements unite in more than one proportion, forming two or more different compounds, the higher proportions of the elements in such compounds are simple multiples of the lowest proportion, or the proportions are connected by some simple common factor; thus, iron and oxygen unite in the proportions FeO, Fe2O3, Fe3O4, in which compounds, considering the oxygen, 3 and 4 are simple multiplies of 1. Called also the Law of Dalton or Dalton's Law, from its discoverer.
Multiple algebra, a branch of advanced mathematics that treats of operations upon units compounded of two or more unlike units.
Multiple conjugation (Biol.), a coalescence of many cells (as where an indefinite number of am[oe]boid cells flow together into a single mass) from which conjugation proper and even fertilization may have been evolved.
Multiple fruits. (Bot.) See Collective fruit, under Collective.
Multiple star (Astron.), several stars in close proximity, which appear to form a single system.
Bower-Barff process \Bow"er-Barff" proc`ess\ . (Metal.) A certain process for producing upon articles of iron or steel an adherent coating of the magnetic oxide of iron (which is not liable to corrosion by air, moisture, or ordinary acids). This is accomplished by producing, by oxidation at about 1600[deg] F. in a closed space, a coating containing more or less of the ferric oxide ( Fe2O3) and the subsequent change of this in a reduced atmosphere to the magnetic oxide ( Fe2O4).
Ferric \Fer"ric\, a. [L. ferrum iron: cf. F. ferrique. See Ferrous.] Pertaining to, derived from, or containing iron. Specifically (Chem.), denoting those compounds in which iron has a higher valence than in the ferrous compounds; as, ferric oxide; ferric acid.
Ferric acid (Chem.), an acid, H2FeO4, which is not known in the free state, but forms definite salts, analogous to the chromates and sulphates.
Ferric oxide (Chem.), sesquioxide of iron, Fe2O3; hematite. See Hematite.