medium

me•di•um

[[t]ˈmi di əm[/t]] n. pl. -di•a [[t]-di ə[/t]], -di•ums

1) a middle state or condition; mean

2) something intermediate in nature or degree

3) phs an intervening substance, as air, through which a force acts or an effect is produced

4) the element that is the natural habitat of an organism

5) surrounding objects, conditions, or influences; environment

6) an intervening agency, means, or instrument by which something is conveyed or accomplished:

Words are a medium of expression[/ex]

7) dial. one of the means or channels of general communication, information, or entertainment in society, as newspapers or television

8) the substance in which specimens are displayed or preserved

9) Also called culture medium

a nutrient material for the cultivation of microorganisms, tissues, etc.

10) a person through whom the spirits of the dead are alleged to be able to contact the living

11) clo

a) a size, as of garments, to fit the average figure

b) an item in this size

12) fia the material or technique with which an artist works

13) about halfway between extremes in degree, quantity, position, or quality

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Etymology: 1575–85; < L: n. use of neut. of medius middle. See mid I usage: See media I .