n., adj., & v.
--n.
1. a the usual amount, extent, or rate. b the ordinary standard.
2 an amount obtained by dividing the total of given amounts by the number of amounts in the set.
3 Law the distribution of loss resulting from damage to a ship or cargo.
--adj.
1. usual, ordinary.
2 estimated or calculated by average.
--v.tr.
1. amount on average to (the sale of the product averaged one hundred a day).
2 do on average (averages six hours' work a day).
3 a estimate the average of. b estimate the general standard of.
Phrases and idioms:
average adjustment Law the apportionment of average. average out result in an average. average out at result in an average of. batting average 1 Cricket a batsman's runs scored per completed innings.
2 Baseball a batter's safe hits per time at bat. bowling average Cricket a bowler's conceded runs per wicket taken. law of averages the principle that if one of two extremes occurs the other will also tend to so as to maintain the normal average. on (or on an) average as an average rate or estimate.
Derivatives:
averagely adv.
Etymology: F avarie damage to ship or cargo (see sense 3), f. It. avaria f. Arab. ' awariya damaged goods f. ' awar damage at sea, loss: -age after damage