in·ter·me·di·ate (ĭn'tər-mē'dē-ĭt) adj. Lying or occurring between two extremes or in a middle position or state: an aircraft having an intermediate range; an intermediate school. n.
One that is in a middle position or state.
An intermediary.
Chemistry A substance formed as a necessary stage in the manufacture of a desired end product.
An automobile that is smaller than a full-sized model but larger than a compact.
[Middle English, from Medieval Latin intermediātus, from Late Latin intermedius : Latin inter-, inter- + Latin medius, middle; see medhyo- in Indo-European roots.] in'ter·me'di·a·cy n., in'ter·me'di·ate·ly adv., in'ter·me'di·ate·ness n., in'ter·me'di·a'tion n., in'ter·me'di·a'tor n.
The flow of funds through financial intermediaries (such as banks and thrifts) on its way to borrowers. Money deposited at financial institutions that make the money available to corporate borrowers is an example of intermediation. This process tends to facilitate saving and investing in sophisticated financial systems. Compare disintermediation.