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Glite Dictionary
📡 A group transmission 📡 To send to many 🌐 For many receivers
multicast

multicast

6.4
Describing a network method that sends the same data to many devices at once
  • adjective
  • /ˈmʌltiˌkæst/
  • Specialized
translation icon : multidifusión
  • A multicast address is used to deliver the same data to several devices on the network.

Examples

  • The multicast protocol allows for efficient data distribution.

  • Engineers set up a multicast system for distributing real-time updates to all branches.

  • The multicast protocol allows efficient video streaming to many users at once.

  • Using a multicast address can reduce network congestion.

  • The multicast address allows the data to reach several devices at once.

  • Using multicast technology, the video stream can be sent to all viewers in real-time.

  • The network protocol supports multicast transmissions to enhance bandwidth efficiency.

How Many

broadcast
  • Literature
484 2.9
multicast
  • Specialized
6.4
unsent
5.3

Surface Forms

multicast positive

Morphology

multicast = cast (semi-transparent) = multi + cast

The prefix clearly means 'many', but the use of 'cast' in the networking sense is metaphorical and not fully obvious to a learner.

Etymology

Multicast comes from multi- meaning 'many' and cast meaning 'to send' or 'throw', just like in broadcast. So multicast as an adjective describes a way that sends the same data to many receivers at the same time.