medan: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal & Technical
Quick answer
What does “medan” mean?
Denoting, relating to, or situated in the middle.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Denoting, relating to, or situated in the middle.
Specifically, the middle value in a statistical dataset when arranged in order; also, a dividing strip or area between opposing lanes of traffic on a road (US); or the area in a road separating lanes of traffic (UK: central reservation).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In road terminology, British English uses 'central reservation'. 'Median' is understood but less common for roads. In statistics/maths, usage is identical.
Connotations
Neutral and technical in both varieties for statistics. For roads, 'median' feels distinctly American to a British ear.
Frequency
High frequency in academic/technical contexts in both varieties. High frequency in American everyday speech regarding roads; low frequency in British everyday speech for roads.
Grammar
How to Use “medan” in a Sentence
the median of [dataset]a median [noun] (e.g., median income)situated at the medianVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “medan” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A as a common verb
American English
- N/A as a common verb
adverb
British English
- N/A as a common adverb
American English
- N/A as a common adverb
adjective
British English
- The median household income has risen slightly.
- Draw a line from the vertex to the median point.
American English
- The median sales price fell last quarter.
- He crashed into the median barrier.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in reports for metrics like 'median salary' or 'median price' to avoid skew from extremes.
Academic
Core term in statistics, mathematics, and demographics.
Everyday
Common in US for road features ('turn across the median'). In UK, mostly in news reports about statistics (e.g., 'median wage').
Technical
Precise statistical measure; in geometry, a line from a vertex to the midpoint of the opposite side.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “medan”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “medan”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “medan”
- Using 'median' and 'average (mean)' interchangeably in statistics.
- Using 'median' for 'medium' in size (e.g., 'a median shirt').
- In UK English, overusing 'median' for 'central reservation'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The 'mean' is calculated by adding all values and dividing by the count. The 'median' is the middle value when all are sorted. The median is less affected by extreme outliers.
It is understood, but 'central reservation' is the standard and preferred term. You will see 'median' in some technical or international contexts.
Yes. As a noun: 'The median of the set is 10.' As an adjective: 'The median income.'
A line segment joining a vertex of a triangle to the midpoint of the opposing side.
Denoting, relating to, or situated in the middle.
Medan is usually formal & technical in register.
Medan: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmiː.di.ən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmiː.di.ən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Split the median (US driving, informal & dangerous)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the MEDIAN strip in a road – it's in the MIDdle. Or, to find the statistical median, line numbers up and find the person in the MIDdle.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE MIDDLE IS A POINT OF BALANCE / THE MIDDLE IS A DIVIDER.
Practice
Quiz
In American English, what is the most common term for the paved or grassy area dividing a highway?