Middle

(mid'dl), a. [A-S., O. Fries., D., & Dan. middel, O. H. Ger. mittel, M. & N. H. Ger. mittel. See MID.]

1Sense 1. Equally distant from the extremes; mean; medial; mid.

These are flowers of middle summer, and I think they are given to men of middle age. Shak.

2Sense 2. Intermediate; intervening.

Will, seeking good, finds many middle ends. Davies.

☞ Middle is sometimes used in the formation of self-explaining compounds; as, middle-sized, middle-witted, and the like.

Middle ages, the ages or period of time about equally distant from the decline of the Roman empire and the revival of letters in Europe, or from the eighth to the fifteenth century of the Christian era.—Middle deck (Naut.), that deck of a vessel having three decks which is situated between the other two.—Middle passage, in the slave trade, that part of the Atlantic Ocean between Africa and the West Indies.—Middle post (Arch.), the same as KING-POST.—Middle term (Logic), that term of a syllogism with which the two extremes are separately compared, and by means of which they are brought together in the conclusion. Brande.—Middle tint (Paint.), a mixed tint in which bright colors never predominate. Fairholt.—Middle voice (Gram.) See VOICE.