/ əˈmɪd; NAmE / (also mid , amidst /əˈmɪdst/) preposition ( formal )
1.
in the middle of or during sth, especially sth that causes excitement or fear :
He finished his speech amid tremendous applause.
The firm collapsed amid allegations of fraud.
2.
surrounded by sth :
The hotel was in a beautiful position amid lemon groves.
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English amidde(s ).