multipole noun & adjective. ['mʌltɪpǝʊl] E20.
[from MULTI- + POLE noun².]
A. noun. Physics. A system of 2^l monopoles (where the order l = 1, 2, 3,...) with no net charge or pole strength and no moment of a lower order than l. Also, a quadrupole (l = 2) or higher order system, the dipole (l = 1) being treated as a special case. E20.
b. attrib. or as adjective.
1. Physics. Designating or pertaining to a multipole; esp. designating electromagnetic radiation of the kind produced by an electric multipole with a moment varying sinusoidally in magnitude. E20.

2. Of a switch: designed to close or open several circuits simultaneously. E20.

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