Mediterranean

[med-i-tuh-rey-nee-uhn]

noun

1. Mediterranean Sea.

2. a person whose physical characteristics are considered typical of the peoples native to or inhabiting the Mediterranean area.

3. Informal.,  the, the islands and countries of the Mediterranean Sea collectively.

adjective

1. pertaining to, situated on or near, or dwelling about the Mediterranean Sea.

2. pertaining to or characteristic of the peoples native to the lands along or near the Mediterranean Sea.

3. surrounded or nearly surrounded by land.

Mediterranean

/ ˌmɛdɪtəˈreɪnɪən /

noun

1. short for the Mediterranean Sea

2. a native or inhabitant of a Mediterranean country

adjective

1. of, relating to, situated or dwelling on or near the Mediterranean Sea

2. denoting a postulated subdivision of the Caucasoid race, characterized by slender build and dark complexion

3. meteorol (of a climate) characterized by hot summers and relatively warm winters when most of the annual rainfall occurs

4. obsolete,  (often not capital) situated in the middle of a landmass; inland

Other Word Forms

• non-Mediterranean noun
• trans-Mediterranean adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Mediterranean¹

1585–95; < Latin mediterrāne ( us ) midland, inland ( medium, terra, -an, -eous ) + -an

Word History and Origins

Origin of Mediterranean¹

C16: from Latin mediterrāneus, from medius middle + -terrāneus, from terra land, earth

Example Sentences

This analysis builds on a previous Physicians Committee study that directly compared a low-fat vegan diet with a Mediterranean diet.

Read more on Science Daily

Their analysis showed that people who routinely ate a Mediterranean or plant-based diet experienced a lower incidence of constipation.

Read more on Science Daily

They are frequently found in regions around the Mediterranean, as well as across continental Europe and along the Atlantic seaboard.

Read more on Science Daily

The two merchant vessels were returning from the Mediterranean and the group headed back to the Baltic Sea, watched by HMS Hurworth.

Read more on BBC

Bora, a Mediterranean restaurant, got a new coat of paint after the ship docked in the Bahamas.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal