medium
noun
me·di·um
| \ ˈmē-dē-əm
\
\
plural mediums
or media\ ˈmē-dē-ə
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Definition of medium
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a
: something in a middle position
These shirts are all mediums.
b
: a middle condition or degree : mean
Look for a happy medium.
2
: a means of effecting or conveying something: such as
a(1)
: a substance regarded as the means of transmission (see transmission sense 1) of a force or effect
air is the medium that conveys sound
(2)
: a surrounding or enveloping substance
(3)
: the tenuous material (such as gas and dust) in space that exists outside large agglomerations (see agglomeration sense 2) of matter (such 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
as his literary medium he has chosen a biographical form— Ernest Newman
(4)
: something (such as a magnetic disk) on which information may be stored
c
media plural
: digital audio or video files available for playback or streaming
… the free video broadcasts can be downloaded to portable media players from a number of popular pod[cast] and vodcast Web sites.— Steve Miller Apple's current keyboards can use the function keys … for alternate functions such as controlling volume, screen brightness, media playback …— Dan Frakes
d
: go-between, intermediary
the medium of introduction was no doubt … the publisher— Richard Garnett
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 (such as paint and canvas, sculptural stone, or literary or musical form)
3a
: a condition or environment in which something may function or flourish
Ocean fish live in a medium of salt water.
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 (see organic entry 1 sense 3) structures are placed (as for preservation or mounting)
c
: a liquid with which pigment is mixed by a painter
medium
adjectiveDefinition of medium (Entry 2 of 2)
: intermediate in quantity, quality, position, size, or degree
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Synonyms for medium
Synonyms: Noun
golden mean, mean, middle, middle ground, midpoint
Synonyms: Adjective
average, intermediate, mean, median, middle, middling, midsize (also midsized), moderate, modest
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Examples of medium in a Sentence
Noun
These shirts are all mediums and I take a large. Make my French fries a medium. Her preferred medium is sculpture. The artist works in two media , pencil and watercolor.Adjective
These T-shirts are available in three sizes: small, medium, and large. a person of medium build How would you like your steak, sir: rare, medium, or well-done?
Recent Examples on the Web: Noun
In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine brown sugar and wine stirring until dissolved. — Danielle Pointdujour, Essence, "These Juicy Burger Recipes Put New Spins On A Classic Dish," 23 Aug. 2019 Under pressure from international media coverage of the crisis in Kashmir and to give an impression to Indians, as well as the world, that all was well in Kashmir, a secretary to the governor of Jammu and Kashmir held a press conference on Aug 16. — Time, "The Indian Government Insists All Is Well in Kashmir. But As the Communications Shutdown Continues, Its Citizens Are Struggling to Reach the Outside World," 23 Aug. 2019 Fighting with the media over the nature of his coverage, with Republicans about ideology and with rival Democrats over purity is comfortable territory for Sanders. — NBC News, "Bernie Sanders wins labor love — and frustrates foes — with Medicare for All play," 22 Aug. 2019 Fourteen Democratic candidates did make the trip to the city, however, taking the opportunity to appear before thousands of delegates and guests, along with media from across the nation. — John Wildermuth, SFChronicle.com, "Democratic presidential candidates come to SF to impress party regulars," 22 Aug. 2019 Mr Sou thinks that media coverage of protests in Hong Kong has hardened pre-existing views in Macau. — The Economist, "Why Macau is impervious to the turmoil in Hong Kong," 22 Aug. 2019 In the aftermath of the 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, for example, many media outlets discussed the shooter’s interest in the Ku Klux Klan (KKK). — Eva Frederick, Science | AAAS, "‘Dark pools’ of hate flourish online. Here are four controversial ways to fight them," 22 Aug. 2019 Note: In a saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water and stir over medium-high heat until sugar has dissolved. — ExpressNews.com, "Recipe: Razzmintazz Smash Iced Tea," 21 Aug. 2019 Recent research shows that audiences increasingly connect it with the mainstream media. — Claire Wardle, Scientific American, "Misinformation Has Created a New World Disorder," 20 Aug. 2019Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective
Heat over medium-high heat until a deep fryer thermometer registers 350 degrees Fahrenheit. — Jessica Yadegaran, The Mercury News, "La Cocina recipe: Minnie Bell’s Soul Movement Rosemary Fried Chicken," 24 Aug. 2019 Blend on low speed so the mixture breaks down a bit, then on medium-high speed to form an almost-creamy chimichurri sauce. — Bonnie S. Benwick, The Denver Post, "Step up your steak night with cumin-rubbed flank and chimichurri potatoes," 21 Aug. 2019 Blend on low speed so the mixture breaks down a bit, then on medium-high speed to form an almost-creamy chimichurri sauce. — Bonnie S. Benwick, Washington Post, "Step up your steak night with cumin-rubbed flank and chimichurri potatoes," 20 Aug. 2019 Start the blender on low and work up to medium-high speed, adding the canola oil in a stream. — Alexandra Hall, BostonGlobe.com, "Can you make a vegetarian meal on the grill? Let local chefs show you how," 17 July 2019 Increase speed to medium-high and beat until doubled in volume. — Dallas News, "2-minute cooking expert: How to make the perfect whipped cream (plus a boozy twist)," 10 July 2019 Bring a grill up to medium-high heat and cook the tenderloins, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees, about 15 minutes. — ExpressNews.com, "Recipe: Rose Blossom and Rosemary Pork Tenderloin," 19 June 2019 To cook mussels: In a hot skillet (with lid available) on medium high heat, place 1 tablespoon jalapeño butter and sauté shallots, garlic, chorizo and fennel for 1 minute. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Cooking shellfish: Chef Paul Arias shares recipes and tips," 18 June 2019 Whisk together mascarpone, chamomile cream, and chamomile sugar with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, 1 to 2 minutes. — Kate Merker, Country Living, "Chamomile-Mascarpone Tart With Fresh Strawberries," 19 Mar. 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'medium.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.