mediatus

Mediatus is a Latin adjective used in scholarly and taxonomic language to mean “placed in the middle” or “intermediate.” In scientific naming, mediatus frequently appears as a specific epithet in zoological and botanical nomenclature, signaling that the described taxon is considered intermediate in form, position, or characteristics between related groups. The exact interpretation of mediatus is context dependent and defined by the author of the species description.

Etymologically, mediatus derives from medius, meaning “middle,” with the suffix -atus forming adjectives that indicate possession or relation. The form mediatus agrees with the gender of the noun it modifies in Latin.

In taxonomy, mediatus is used as a descriptive epithet to indicate intermediate morphology, phenotype, or geographic position within a lineage. It does not by itself establish taxonomic rank and should be understood in light of the original diagnosis and notes accompanying the name.

Beyond taxonomy, mediatus may appear in historical Latin literature and scientific writings to denote a central or intermediate position or condition, though its practical use today is largely confined to formal names and formal descriptions. In modern practice, Latin epithets such as mediatus are chosen by authors and interpreted within the context of their respective taxonomic decisions.

See also: medius, median, intermediatus.