medium

medium

noun

Definition of MEDIUM

1

a middle point between extremes <trying to achieve a happy medium as far as the demands of career and family are concerned>

Synonyms golden mean, medium, middle, middle ground, midpoint

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

Near Antonyms maximum, utmost; minimum

2

something used to achieve an end <regards political activism on the local level as the best medium for effecting social change>

Synonyms agency, instrument, instrumentality, machinery, means, medium, ministry, organ, vehicle

Related Words determinant, expedient, factor, influence, ingredient, mechanism, tool; weapon; activator, animator, catalyst, driver, energizer, executor, generator, impetus, incentive, inspiration, instigation, instigator, launcher, mover, power, stimulus, trigger; antecedent, cause, occasion, reason; subagency, subagent

3

the circumstances, conditions, or objects by which one is surrounded <an artist who enjoys the cultural medium of the big city>

Synonyms ambient, atmosphere, climate, clime, context, contexture, environs, medium, milieu, mise-en-scène, setting, surround, surroundings, terrain

Related Words location, place, position, space; backdrop, background; element; situation, status; geography, habitat; microenvironment

4

a person who claims to speak with or for the spirits of the dead <the medium claims that she can put the grieving parents in touch with the spirit of their deceased son>

Synonyms channel, medium, psychic, spiritist, spiritualist

Related Words clairvoyant; mentalist, mind reader, telepath; sensitive

5

a place or opportunity for communicating ideas and information <I think a blog might be a good medium for sharing your reviews of local restaurants>

Synonyms forum, medium, outlet, platform, soapbox

Related Words channel, conduit, pipeline; showcase, stage