multilaterallyadv.
/ˌmʌltɪˈlat(ə)rəli/, /ˌmʌltɪˈlat(ə)rl̩i/, U.S. /ˌməltiˈlædərəli/, /ˌməltiˈlætrəli/; see also multi- comb. form. 1. On many sides; so as to make a multilateral figure.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > shape > angularity > specific angular shape > [adverb] > polygon
multangularly1701
multilaterally1847
polygonally1852
1847 A. Tulk tr. L. Oken Elements Physiophilos. 222 The spiriform ranks higher. In it the stem is manifestly differenced more multilaterally.
1879 tr. E. Haeckel Evol. Man I. viii. 214 Granular entodermcells, which, by mutual pressure, are flattened multilaterally.
1987 N. J. W. Kreger-Vanrij in A. H. Rose & J. S. Harrison Yeasts (ed. 2) I. ii. 7 Buds..occur multilaterally on the cell or are confined to special regions.
2. Chiefly Politics. With the involvement of three or more parties (in an agreement, treaty, summit, etc.).
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > rule or government > politics > international politics or relations > [adverb] > multilaterally
multilaterally1972
1972 Sci. Amer. Apr. 17/2 Government representatives from East and West met.., bilaterally and multilaterally, to discuss increased trade.
1989 Jrnl. Environmental Law 1 132 The Parties undertake to facilitate bilaterally or multilaterally the provision of subsidies..to Parties that are developing countries.
1995 New Yorker 7 Aug. 5/3 The Clinton Administration needs to..lift the arms embargo on its own—not unilaterally but multilaterally, persuading our allies to go along.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2003; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adv.1847