[mee-dee-ee-vuh
l, med-ee-, mid-ee-, mid-ee-vuhl] 
| 1. | of, pertaining to, characteristic of, or in the style of the Middle Ages: medieval architecture. Compare Middle Ages. |
| 2. | Informal. extremely old-fashioned; primitive. |
| me·di·e·val also me·di·ae·val (mē'dē-ē'vəl, měd'ē-, mĭ-dē'vəl) adj. also Medieval
[From New Latin medium aevum, the middle age : Latin, neuter of medius, middle; see medhyo- in Indo-European roots + Latin aevum, age; see aiw- in Indo-European roots.] me'di·e'val·ly adv. |
A descriptive term for people, objects, events, and institutions of the Middle Ages.
Note: “Medieval” is sometimes used as a term of disapproval for outdated ideas and customs. It may suggest inhuman practices, such as torture of prisoners. (See Inquisition.)