multi-centered
|mul-ti-cent-ered|
🇺🇸
/ˌmʌltiˈsɛntərd/
🇬🇧
/ˌmʌltiˈsɛntəd/
having multiple centers
Etymology
'multi-centered' is formed from the prefix 'multi-' (originating from Latin 'multus', where 'multus' meant 'many') combined with 'center' (ultimately from Greek 'kentron').
'center' comes from Greek 'kentron' → Latin 'centrum' → Old French 'centre' → Middle English 'centre', later appearing in modern English as 'center'/'centre'. The compound 'multi-centered' is a modern assembly using the prefix 'multi-' + 'center'.
Initially the roots signified 'many' and 'sharp point/centre'; together they originally conveyed the literal sense of 'having many centers'. Over time the term has broadened to describe organizational, geographical, or institutional arrangements and studies involving multiple locations or focal points.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having several centers or focal points; not concentrated in a single center (applies to cities, organizations, systems, studies, etc.).
The metropolitan area is multi-centered, with several towns acting as economic hubs.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/24 12:16