"relating, pertaining to, or characteristic of an ethnic race or race generally," 1862, from race (n.2) + -ial. "A word of considerable frequency in the 20th century" [OED]. Related: Racially.

before vowels mult-, word-forming element meaning "many, many times, much," from combining form of Latin multus "much, many," from PIE *ml-to-, from root *mel- (2) "strong, great, numerous." It was much-used in forming Latin compounds in classical times and after (such as multianimis "having much courage," multibibus "much-drinking," multicomus "having much hair," multiloquus "talkative"). Many English words that use it (multinational, etc.) are 20c. coinages.

1941, "designed for different functions," from multi- "many" + use (n.). By 1945 as "designed to be used more than once," from multi- in the sense of "many times."

"having several layers or webs," 1887, from multi- "many" + ply (n.) "a layer, a fold."

also multimillionaire, "one worth many millions" (of dollars, pounds, etc.), 1858, from multi- "many times" + millionaire.

also multi-racial, "of, pertaining to, or characterized by several races," especially "characterized by coexistence of different races," by 1903, from multi- "many" + racial.

also multi-lineal, "having many lines," 1800, from multi- + lineal. Multi-linear is by 1815.

also multi-story, multi-storey, "of many stories or floors," 1907, from multi- "many" + story (n.2).

"the abolition of racial segregation," 1935, American English, from de- "the opposite of" + segregation in the racial sense.

also multi-layer, "composed of or occurring in many layers," 1907, from multi- "many" + layer (n.). Related: Multi-layered (1895).