veces
/ˈbeθes/ · A1 · prep
by, times (multiplication)
✖️ veces = plural of vez, from Latin vicis (a turn): 3 veces 4 = 3 turns of 4
Vez means one time or one turn; veces is its plural (z becomes c before -es). Latin vicis also gave English vice versa and vicar. Tres veces cuatro reads as three times four: four, taken three turns over.