| 1. | Also called Mideast. (loosely) the area from Libya E to Afghanistan, usually including Egypt, Sudan, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the other countries of the Arabian peninsula. |
| 2. | (formerly) the area including Iran, Afghanistan, India, Tibet, and Burma. |
Middle East also Mid·east  (mĭd-ēst')  An area comprising the countries of southwest Asia and northeast Africa. In the 20th century the region has been the continuing scene of political and economic turmoil. Middle East'ern adj., Middle East'ern·er n. |