[meen] 
| 1. | Usually, means. (used with a singular or plural verb ) an agency, instrument, or method used to attain an end: The telephone is a means of communication. There are several means of solving the problem. |
| 2. | means,
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| 3. | something that is midway between two extremes; something intermediate: to seek a mean between cynicism and blind faith. |
| 4. | Mathematics.
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| 5. | Statistics. expected value. mathematical expectation (def. 2). |
| 6. | Logic. the middle term in a syllogism. |
| 7. | occupying a middle position or an intermediate place, as in kind, quality, degree, or time: a mean speed; a mean course; the mean annual rainfall. |
| 8. | by all means,
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| 9. | by any means, in any way; at all: We were not surprised at the news by any means. |
| 10. | by means of, with the help of; by the agency of; through: We crossed the stream by means of a log. |
| 11. | by no means, in no way; not at all: The prize is by no means certain. |
| mean 3 (mēn) n.
[Middle English mene, middle, from Old French meien, from Latin mediānus, from medius; see medhyo- in Indo-European roots.] Usage Note: In the sense of "financial resources" means takes a plural verb: His means are more than adequate. In the sense of "a way to an end," means may be treated as either a singular or plural. It is singular when referring to a particular strategy or method: The best means of securing the cooperation of the builders is to appeal to their self-interest. It is plural when it refers to a group of strategies or methods: The most effective means for dealing with the drug problem have generally been those suggested by the affected communities. · Means is most often followed by of: a means of noise reduction. But for, to, and toward are also used: a means for transmitting sound; a means to an end; a means toward achieving equality. |
In statistics, an average of a group of numbers or data points. With a group of numbers, the mean is obtained by adding them and dividing by the number of numbers in the group. Thus the mean of five, seven, and twelve is eight (twenty-four divided by three). (Compare median and mode.)
mean
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mean (mēn)
n.
Something having a position, quality, or condition midway between extremes; a medium.
A number that typifies a set of numbers, such as a geometric mean or an arithmetic mean.
The average value of a set of numbers.
Occupying a middle or intermediate position between two extremes.
Intermediate in size, extent, quality, time, or degree; medium.
mean (mēn) Pronunciation Key
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by means of
Through the use of, owing to, as in We plan to pay for medical school by means of a second mortgage, or He'll succeed by means of sheer persistence. [Early 1400s] Also see by dint of.