also multi-lateral, 1690s, in geometry, "having many sides," from multi- "many" + lateral (adj.). Figurative use, "many-sided," is by 1748. Meaning "pertaining to three or more countries" is from 1802 (based on bilateral). Related: Multilaterally.

also multi-form, "having many forms," c. 1600, from French multiforme or Latin multiformis "many-shaped, manifold," from multus "much, many" (see multi-) + forma "shape" (see form (n.)).

also multi-lingual, "speaking, written in, or characterized by many languages," 1832, from multi- "many" + Latin lingua "language," literally "tongue" (from PIE root *dnghu- "tongue"). Related: Multilingually; multilingualism.

"adherent or advocate of racial segregation," 1915, from segregation + -ist. 

"having many names or terms," 1610s, from Late Latin multinominis "many-named," from multi- "many" (see multi-) + Latin nomen (genitive nominis) "name," cognate with Old English nama (from PIE root *no-men- "name"). 

"abolish racial segregation" (in schools, etc.), 1948, back-formation from desegregation. Related: Desegregated; desegregating.

also multi-cultural, of a society, "consisting of varied cultural groups," by 1941; see multi- "many"+ culture (n.) + -al (1). At first often in a Canadian context. Picked up by U.S. education writers 1980s; widespread popular use from c. 1990.

1829, in reference to a type of rose bearing several flowers on one stem, from Latin multiflora (rosa), from fem. of multiflorus, "abounding in flowers," from multi- "many" (see multi-) + flor-, stem of flos "flower" (see florid). Multiflorous "many-flowered" is attested by 1760, from Latin multiflorus.

"Caucasian-like," used in old racial writings of the Ainu, etc., 1909; see Caucasian (adj.) + -oid.