ENGLISH
REFERENCE

mediterranean

n. uncountable
A2 Elementary US //ˌmɛdətɝˈeɪniən// mediter·ranean

n. the large sea between southern Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia. It is also used to describe the warm, sunny region around this sea.

n. the large sea located between the continents of Europe, Africa, and Asia. Often used with the definite article to refer to the surrounding geographical region.


SIMPLE

We spent our summer holiday by the Mediterranean.

CONTEXTUAL

Many ancient civilizations flourished along the shores of the Mediterranean due to its favorable climate and trade routes.

COMPLEX

The unique biodiversity of the Mediterranean is currently under threat from rising water temperatures and the introduction of invasive species through the Suez Canal.

Origin

Borrowed from Latin mediterrāneus, inland, from medius (“middle”) + terra (“earth, land”) + -āneus (adjectival suffix).

Usage

Always capitalized. Usually preceded by the definite article 'the' when referring to the sea or the region.

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