n. & adj.
--n.
1. a large landlocked sea bordered by S. Europe, SW Asia, and N. Africa.
2 a native of a country bordering on the Mediterranean.
--adj.
1. of or characteristic of the Mediterranean or its surrounding region (Mediterranean climate; Mediterranean cookery).
2 (of a person) dark-complexioned and not tall.
Etymology: L mediterraneus inland f. medius middle + terra land