Mediums

Mediums refers to the plural of medium, a term with varied meanings across disciplines. The word comes from the Latin medium meaning “middle.” In different fields, a medium can be a material, a channel, an environment, or a person who claims to act as an intermediary. The plural form used can be mediums or media, depending on sense and style guide.

Arts and crafts: In art and design, a medium (plural mediums) is the material or technique used to create a work. Examples include oil paint, marble, watercolor, graphite, and digital media. The choice of medium influences texture, color, and expressive possibilities.

Science and technology: In science, a medium is the substance or environment through which something moves or is transmitted. Growth media contain nutrients for culturing organisms. In physics and engineering, transmission media such as air, water, fiber optics, or cables carry waves or signals. In chemistry, solvents or phases can act as reaction media.

Communications and media studies: In communication, a medium (plural media) is a channel or technology for conveying information, such as print publications, broadcast networks, or the internet. The term media is also used collectively to refer to mass communication industries and their outputs.

Spiritualism and culture: In parapsychology and spiritualist traditions, a medium is a person who purportedly communicates with spirits or otherworldly entities. This sense is culturally situated and remains controversial within scientific communities.

Plural usage note: While mediums is the standard plural for the sense of a material, technique, or spiritualist practitioner, media is widely used as the plural in contexts relating to channels of communication and many scientific terms. Style guides may vary in preferred usage.