medium

me-di-um · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A means or channel of communication, expression, or artistic representation.

  2. 2.

    A person who claims to communicate with the spirits of the dead.

  3. 3.

    A middle state, condition, or degree between extremes.

  4. 4.

    A substance or environment in which something exists, lives, or acts.

  5. 5.

    Of intermediate size, amount, or degree.

Forms

plural: media, mediums

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    happy medium — a satisfactory compromise between two extremes
  • •
    through the medium of — by means of, by way of
  • •
    medium rare — (of steak) cooked so the inside is still slightly pink

Related words

Antonyms: extreme, large, small
See also: average, media, middle
Synonyms: average, channel, means, middle

Etymology

From Latin medium, the neuter form of medius ("middle"). Entered English in the late 16th century, initially referring to an intermediate agency or means.