plurality

Meanings

1. The state of being plural.
2. The holding of multiple benefices.
3. A state of being numerous.
4. A number or part of a whole which is greater than any other number or part, but not necessarily a majority.
5. A number of votes for a single candidate or position which is greater than the number of votes gained by any other single candidate or position voted for, but which is less than a majority of valid votes cast.
6. A margin by which a number exceeds another number, especially of votes.
7. A group of many entities: a large number.
8. A group composed of more than one entity.
9. Polygamy.
10. Synonym of multiplicity (“the condition whereby a person displays or experiences multiple distinct personalities or selves in one body”).

Etymology

From plural + -ity, from Middle English pluralite, from Old French pluralité (“multitude, state of being plural”), from Latin plūrālitās.