Definition
An aircraft brake assembly that uses a stack of alternating rotating and stationary discs to produce stopping friction. When brake pressure is applied, hydraulic pistons squeeze the stack together, and the friction between the rotating discs (which turn with the wheel) and the stationary discs (which are held to the axle) slows and stops the wheel.
Plain English
A wheel brake made of several flat discs stacked together. Some discs spin with the wheel and others stay still. When the brake is applied, the discs are pressed tightly together, and the rubbing between them stops the wheel.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft brake system descriptions, maintenance inspections, and discussions of brakes on heavier or higher-performance aircraft.
Derivation
From Latin multiplex (many folds) and discus (a flat round plate). The name simply tells you what it is: a brake built from many discs rather than just one.
Why Pilots Care
It delivers high braking force in a compact, lightweight package suitable for aircraft.
Analogy
It is like squeezing a stack of flat plates together. One plate alone gives limited grip, but several plates pressed together create more friction in the same space.
Intuition Check
Multiple-disc does not mean the aircraft has several separate brakes on one wheel. It means one brake unit contains several flat discs that are squeezed together.
Example Sentence 1
The transport category aircraft uses multiple-disc brakes on each main wheel to handle the heat generated during a high-speed landing.
Example Sentence 2
Mechanics inspected the multiple-disc brake for wear after the flight.