Definition of: intermediate

(in′tər·mē′dē·it) adjective
1. Being in a middle place or degree.
2. Situated or occurring between limits or extremes.
—noun (-it)
1. An intermediator; adjuster.
2. Something intermediate.
3. A substance formed at a state between the raw material and the finished product.
4. Chem. An organic compound derived from coal tar or petroleum crude oil and used as a starting point in the manufacture of a wide range of drugs, cosmetics, plastics, and dyestuffs.
—v.i. (-āt) ·at·ed, ·at·ing To act as an intermediary; mediate. [<Med. L intermediatus <intermedius]
—in′ter·me′di·ate·ly adverb
—in′ter·me′di·ate·ness noun