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multipurpose

multipurpose

6 3.4
Can be used in many different ways, like cleaning or fixing
  • adjective
  • /ˌmʌltiˈpɜːrpəs/
translation icon : multipropósito
  • I use a multipurpose cleaner for various tasks around the house, making my cleaning routine much simpler.
  • a multipurpose room
  • a multipurpose facility
  • multipurpose centers

And this is our multipurpose ping pong table.

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Examples

  • GSC broadened its college mission and became a multipurpose institution in 1966.

    Academic text (1990)
  • The gear is multipurpose, extremely simple, and can also be used as a biological sampler.

    Academic text (1995)
  • Monster truck events primarily take place in multipurpose facilities.

    Academic text (2013)
  • Each school had a multipurpose room that was utilized for physical education.

    Academic text (1994)
  • Some organizations have begun with a fairly limited focus and later developed into multipurpose agencies pursuing a range of interests.

    Academic text (1999)
  • STAR and PHENIX are both large, multipurpose experiments, each with about 400 collaboration members.

    Academic text (1999)
  • Vinyl gloves are a safe, latex-free alternative for multipurpose, non-patient care activities.

    Academic text (1998)
  • VIDEOLABS introduces the new FlexCam iCam, a multipurpose video camera.

    Academic text (2001)
  • My iPhone X has become my multipurpose device, serving as a notebook, camera, and communication tool.

  • This multipurpose room can be transformed into a study, guest room, or home gym depending on our needs.

Synonyms

versatile
vsmultipurpose
55 6.3

Able to be used in many different ways and do many jobs

is designed for several uses but focuses on intended functions not adaptability
all-purpose
vsmultipurpose
14 3.2

Can be used for many different things, like cooking or cleaning

is for several specific uses rather than every possible one
general-purpose
vsmultipurpose
4 3.9

Useful for many different tasks and situations

is for multiple purposes but not necessarily very wide or universal

How Versatile

versatile
55 6.3
multipurpose
6 3.4
dual-purpose
1 4.4

Surface Forms

multipurpose positive

Morphology

multipurpose = purpose (transparent) = multi + purpose

The meaning is directly compositional: 'multi-' means many and 'purpose' means use or function, so the adjective means suitable for several uses.

Etymology

The word multipurpose is made of the part multi- meaning 'many' and the word purpose meaning 'a reason or use', like in multiple. So a multipurpose item is for 'many uses'.