least common multiple

noun

1

: the smallest common multiple of two or more numbers

2

: the common multiple of lowest degree of two or more polynomials

Examples of least common multiple in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This involves finding the least common multiple (LCM) of those numbers. — Eugenia Cheng, WSJ, 9 Sep. 2022

To see why, think about all the multiples of 5 under 40, the least common multiple of 5 and 8. — Quanta Magazine, 18 Nov. 2021

That number is the least common multiple of 260 and 365, or the first point at which the two calendars meet. — Nathaniel Scharping, Discover Magazine, 21 Dec. 2020

Word History

First Known Use

1823, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

least common multiple

noun

: the smallest number that is a multiple of each of two or more numbers