Mean

n.
  1. That which is mean, or intermediate, between two extremes of place, time, or number; the middle point or place; middle rate or degree; mediocrity; medium; absence of extremes or excess; moderation; measure.
  2. (Math.) A quantity having an intermediate value between several others, from which it is derived, and of which it expresses the resultant value; usually, unless otherwise specified, it is the simple average, formed by adding the quantities together and dividing by their number, which is called an arithmetical mean. A geometrical mean is the nth root of the product of the n quantities being averaged.
  3. That through which, or by the help of which, an end is attained; something tending to an object desired; intermediate agency or measure; necessary condition or coagent; instrument.
  4. (Mus.) A part, whether alto or tenor, intermediate between the soprano and base; a middle part.
  5. Meantime; meanwhile.
  6. A mediator; a go-between.
    7. By all means ,
    certainly; without fail; as, go, by all means.
    By any means ,
    in any way; possibly; at all.
    By no means, or By no manner of means ,
    not at all; certainly not; not in any degree.