plurality

 
Pronunciation: /plʊəˈralɪti/

noun (plural pluralities)

  • 1 [mass noun] the fact or state of being plural: some languages add an extra syllable to mark plurality
  • [in singular] a large number of people or things: a plurality of critical approaches
  • 2US the number of votes cast for a candidate who receives more than any other but does not receive an absolute majority.
  • the number by which plurality exceeds the number of votes cast for the candidate placed second.
  • 3chiefly historicalanother term for pluralism (sense 2). he obtained dispensations to hold several benefices in plurality

Origin:

late Middle English: from Old French pluralite, from late Latin pluralitas, from Latin pluralis 'relating to more than one' (see plural)