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medium
[ mee-dee-uhm ]
/ ˈmi di əm /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun, plural me·di·a [mee-dee-uh] /ˈmi di ə/ for 1-9, 11, me·di·ums for 1-11, 14.
adjective
about halfway between extremes, as of degree, amount, quality, position, or size: Cook over medium heat. He is of medium height.
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Origin of medium
First recorded in 1575–85; from Latin: “the middle,” noun use of neuter of medius “middle”; see mid1
usage note for medium
7. See media1.
Words nearby medium
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use medium in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for medium
medium
/ (ˈmiːdɪəm) /
adjective
midway between extremes; averagea medium size
(of a colour) reflecting or transmitting a moderate amount of lighta medium red Compare light 1 (def. 29), dark (def. 2)
noun plural -dia (-dɪə) or -diums
See also mediums
Word Origin for medium
C16: from Latin: neuter singular of medius middle
undefined medium
See media 1
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for medium
medium
[ mē′dē-əm ]
Plural media
A substance, such as agar, in which bacteria or other microorganisms are grown for scientific purposes.
A substance that makes possible the transfer of energy from one location to another, especially through waves. For example, matter of sufficient density can be a medium for sound waves, which transfer mechanical energy. See more at wave.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Other Idioms and Phrases with medium
medium
see happy medium.
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.