intermediate

¹

[ in-ter-mee-dee-it ]

adjective

1. being, situated, or acting between two points, stages, things, persons, etc.:

   the intermediate steps in a procedure.

2. of or relating to an intermediate school.
3. Automotive. mid-size.

noun

1. a person who acts between others; intermediary; mediator.
2. something intermediate, as a form or class.
3. Chemistry. a derivative of the initial material formed before the desired product of a chemical process.

intermediate

²

[ in-ter-mee-dee-eyt ]

verb (used without object)

, in·ter·me·di·at·ed, in·ter·me·di·at·ing.

1. to act as an intermediary; intervene; mediate.

intermediate

adjective

1. occurring or situated between two points, extremes, places, etc; in between
2. (of a class, course, etc) suitable for learners with some degree of skill or competence
3. physics (of a neutron) having an energy between 100 and 100 000 electronvolts
4. geology (of such igneous rocks as syenite) containing between 55 and 66 per cent silica

noun

1. something intermediate
2. a substance formed during one of the stages of a chemical process before the desired product is obtained

verb

1. intr to act as an intermediary or mediator

Derived Forms

• ˌinterˌmediˈation, noun
• ˌinterˈmediacy, noun
• ˌinterˈmediˌator, noun
• ˌinterˈmediately, adverb

Other Words From

• inter·medi·ate·ly adverb
• inter·medi·ate·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of intermediate¹

1615–25; < Medieval Latin intermediātus, equivalent to Latin intermedi ( us ) intermediary ( inter- inter- + medius middle, in the middle) + -ātus -ate ¹

Origin of intermediate²

1600–10; < Medieval Latin intermediātus, past participle of intermediāre. See inter-, mediate

Word History and Origins

Origin of intermediate¹

C17: from Medieval Latin intermediāre to intervene, from Latin inter- + medius middle

Example Sentences

In the 2010s, a series of intermediate species called darwinopterans were found that revealed that the head and neck had changed first before the rest of the body.

From Science Daily

This facilitates the reaction of the intermediates with each other to make a polyester, which gels into solid particles that can easily be separated out.

From Science Daily

This nighttime relief is most effective in cities with intermediate and wet climates, according to the study.

From Science Daily

The team used electrocatalysis, a type of chemical reaction initiated by electron transfers to and from reactants on surfaces of catalysts, to convert carbon dioxide into biocompatible intermediates, such as acetate and ethanol.

From Science Daily

Skill level: Geared toward beginner and intermediate walkers, although some walks can be more challenging if the group is willing, Murillo said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• transitional