mean

⁴mean

noun \ˈmēn\

Definition of MEAN

1

a (1) : something intervening or intermediate (2) : a middle point between extremes b : a value that lies within a range of values and is computed according to a prescribed law: as (1) : arithmetic mean (2) : expected value c : either of the middle two terms of a proportion

2

plural but sing or plural in constr : something useful or helpful to a desired end

3

plural : resources available for disposal; especially : material resources affording a secure life

— by all means

: most assuredly : certainly

— by means of

: through the use of

— by no means

: in no way : not at all

Examples of MEAN

1. Take all these temperatures and calculate their mean.
2. trying to find a golden mean between doing too little and doing too much

Origin of MEAN

(see ³mean)

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to MEAN

Synonyms: golden mean, medium, middle, middle ground, midpoint, middle of the road

Related Words: arithmetic mean, average; median, norm, par, standard

Near Antonyms: maximum, utmost; minimum

see all synonyms and antonyms

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