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¹medium

noun me·di·um \ˈmē-dē-əm\

: something that is sold in a medium size : something that is the middle size when compared with things that are larger and smaller

: a particular form or system of communication (such as newspapers, radio, or television)

: the materials or methods used by an artist

plural mediums or me·dia \-dē-ə\

Full Definition of MEDIUM

a : something in a middle position

b : a middle condition or degree : mean

: a means of effecting or conveying something: as

a (1) : a substance regarded as the means of transmission of a force or effect (2) : a surrounding or enveloping substance (3) : the tenuous material (as gas and dust) in space that exists outside large agglomerations of matter (as stars) <interstellar medium>

b plural usually media (1) : a channel or system of communication, information, or entertainment — compare mass medium (2) : a publication or broadcast that carries advertising (3) : a mode of artistic expression or communication (4) : something (as a magnetic disk) on which information may be stored

c : go-between, intermediary

d plural mediums : an individual held to be a channel of communication between the earthly world and a world of spirits

e : material or technical means of artistic expression

a : a condition or environment in which something may function or flourish

b plural media (1) : a nutrient system for the artificial cultivation of cells or organisms and especially bacteria (2) : a fluid or solid in which organic structures are placed (as for preservation or mounting)

c : a liquid with which pigment is mixed by a painter

See medium defined for English-language learners

See medium defined for kids

Usage Discussion of MEDIUM

The singular media and its plural medias seem to have originated in the field of advertising over 70 years ago; they are still so used without stigma in that specialized field. In most other applications media is used as a plural of medium. The popularity of the word in references to the agencies of mass communication is leading to the formation of a mass noun, construed as a singular <there's no basis for it. You know, the news media gets on to something — Edwin Meese 3d> <the media is less interested in the party's policies — James Lewis, Guardian Weekly>. This use is not as well established as the mass-noun use of data and is likely to incur criticism especially in writing.

Origin of MEDIUM

Latin, from neuter of medius middle — more at mid

First Known Use: 1589

Related to MEDIUM

Synonyms: golden mean, mean, middle, middle ground, midpoint

Other Paints and Dyes Terms

bloom, craze, size, vehicle

Rhymes with MEDIUM

tedium

²medium

adjective

: in the middle of a range of possible sizes, amounts, etc.

of meat : cooked to a point that is between rare and well-done

Full Definition of MEDIUM

: intermediate in quantity, quality, position, size, or degree

See medium defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of MEDIUM

1711

Related to MEDIUM

Synonyms: average, intermediate, mean, median, middle, middling, midsize (also midsized), moderate, modest

Antonyms: extreme, farthest, farthermost, furthermost, furthest, outermost, outmost, remotest, utmost

MEDIUM Defined for Kids

¹medium

noun me·di·um \ˈmē-dē-əm\

plural me·di·ums or me·dia \-dē-ə\

Definition of MEDIUM for Kids

: something that is in a middle position (as in size)

: the thing by which or through which something is done <Writing is a medium of communication.>

: the substance in which something lives or acts <the medium of air>

plural usually media : a form or system of communication, information, or entertainment

: a person through whom other persons try to communicate with the spirits of the dead

²medium

adjective

Definition of MEDIUM for Kids

: intermediate in amount, quality, position, or degree <medium size>

Medical Dictionary

medium

noun me·di·um \ˈmēd-ē-əm\

plural mediums or me·dia \-ē-ə\

Medical Definition of MEDIUM

: a means of effecting or conveying something: as a : a substance regarded as the means of transmission of a force or effect b : a surrounding or enveloping substance

plural media a : a nutrient system for the artificial cultivation of cells or organisms and especially bacteria b : a fluid or solid in which organic structures are placed (as for preservation or mounting)