multiplexer
UK[ˈmʌltɪˌpleksə]US[ˈmʌltəˌpleksər]
n
an electronic device that selects one of several input signals and forwards the selected input to a single output line.
n
a system or device for the simultaneous transmission of several messages along a single channel of communication.
Morpheme Breakdown
multi
plex
er
multi
many
plex
to fold, to weave
er
agent suffix
Etymology
the term multiplexer is a modern technological compound built from classical elements. the latin root multi- (many) combines with -plex, derived from the verb plectere (to weave or braid), which metaphorically conveys the intertwining of multiple data streams. the agent suffix -er transforms this descriptive compound into a noun denoting the device that performs this function. thus, the word's literal logic of "that which weaves many together" perfectly captures its role in electronics and communications, where it interleaves or selects between numerous signals to transmit them via a single pathway.
Analysis
Structure: multi (many) + plex (to fold, to weave) + er (agent suffix)
multi: from latin multus, meaning "much, many". serves as a combining form indicating multiplicity.
plex: from latin plexus, the past participle of plectere, meaning "to plait, weave, braid". in this context, it implies the interweaving or combining of multiple strands.
er: from old english -ere, an agent noun suffix indicating a person or thing that performs an action.
Examples
the digital multiplexer efficiently combines data from several sources for transmission over one cable.
in telecommunications, a multiplexer allows multiple phone calls to share a single wire.
the engineer designed a multiplexer circuit to switch between the sensor inputs.