'multifunctional' originates from Latin and Modern English; specifically the prefix 'multi-' (from Latin 'multus') meaning 'many', combined with 'function' (from Latin 'functio'/'fungi') and the adjectival suffix '-al'.

'multifunctional' developed from the compound of 'multi-' + 'function' (occasionally seen as 'multi-functional' in earlier usage) with the addition of the adjective-forming suffix '-al' in Modern English, yielding the current form 'multifunctional'.

Initially it meant 'having or relating to many functions', and this core meaning has remained largely unchanged in modern usage.