manifold
- Many and varied in form, type, or number; of many different kinds.
- As a noun: a pipe or chamber with several openings for connecting to other pipes, especially in an engine (technical use).
In a sentence
- The benefits of regular exercise are manifold, affecting physical health, mental clarity, and emotional well-being.
- Her manifold responsibilities as CEO left little time for personal projects.
Usage note. Manifold is somewhat formal or literary when used as an adjective meaning 'many and varied'; the technical noun sense referring to engine or pipe components is unrelated in everyday usage.
Where it comes from
English manifold · entered English Old English
From Old English 'manigfeald,' meaning 'varied, of many kinds,' formed from 'manig' (many) and 'feald' (-fold, a suffix meaning 'times' or 'types'). It is a native English word of Germanic origin present in the language since the Old English period.