mediterranean

med-i-ter-ra-ne-an · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Of or relating to the Mediterranean Sea or the countries and cultures surrounding it.

  2. 2.

    Designating a climate type characterized by warm to hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters.

  3. 3.

    Of or relating to the peoples, cultures, or physical characteristics associated with the Mediterranean region.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    Mediterranean diet — a dietary pattern emphasizing fruits, vegetables, olive oil, fish, and whole grains
  • •
    Mediterranean climate — a climate type with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters

Related words

Antonyms: atlantic, oceanic
See also: climate, cuisine, sea
Synonyms: midland

Etymology

From Latin mediterraneus, meaning "inland" or "in the middle of land," from medius ("middle") + terra ("land, earth"). The Mediterranean Sea is so named because the ancient Romans considered it to be in the middle of the known world.