Mediterran

Mediterran, or mediterran, is an adjective used in several languages to describe things related to the Mediterranean region, including geography, climate, cultures, and food traditions. The term derives from Latin mediterraneus and has cognates in several European languages; in English the corresponding form is Mediterranean, but some languages preserve mediterran as a descriptor for climate, cuisine, or style.

Geography and climate: The Mediterranean region surrounds the Mediterranean Sea and includes parts of southern Europe, North Africa, and the Levant. The climate is typically mediterran, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, supporting habitats such as olive groves, grapevines, and evergreen shrublands.

Culture and design: The term is used to signal shared cultural traits—architecture with courtyards and whitewashed walls, coastal influences, and culinary patterns built around olive oil, grains, legumes, seafood, and herbs. In modern design and tourism, mediterran evokes sun-drenched, coastal aesthetics and a relaxed lifestyle.

Diet and health: The Mediterranean diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, olive oil, fish, and moderate dairy and wine, and is frequently associated with cardiovascular health benefits and longevity.

Usage notes: As a descriptor, mediterran denotes a geographic-cultural concept rather than a political entity, with usage varying by language and region.