I. ˈmē-dē-əm noun
( plural mediums or me·dia -dē-ə)
Etymology: Latin, from neuter of medius middle — more at mid
Date: 1593
1.
a. : something in a middle position
b. : a middle condition or degree : mean
2. : 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
3.
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
Usage: see media
II. adjective
Date: 1711
: intermediate in quantity, quality, position, size, or degree