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average

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An average is a value found by adding all of the numbers in a set together and then dividing them by the quantity of numbers in the set. (noun)

Six is an example of the average of five and seven.

Average means typical or common. (adjective)

A person with brown hair, brown eyes, medium build and medium height is an example of an average individual.

See average in Webster's New World College Dictionary

See average in American Heritage Dictionary 4

(ăvˈər-ĭj, ăvˈrĭj)

noun

Mathematics
a. A number that typifies a set of numbers of which it is a function.
b. See arithmetic mean.
a. An intermediate level or degree: near the average in size.
b. The usual or ordinary kind or quality: Although the wines vary, the average is quite good.
Sports The ratio of a team's or player's successful performances such as wins, hits, or goals, divided by total opportunities for successful performance, such as games, times at bat, or shots: finished the season with a .500 average; a batting average of .274.
Law
a. The loss of a ship or cargo, caused by damage at sea.
b. The incurrence of damage or loss of a ship or cargo at sea.
c. The equitable distribution of such a loss among concerned parties.
d. A charge incurred through such a loss.
Nautical Small expenses or charges that are usually paid by the master of a ship.

adjective

Mathematics Of, relating to, or constituting an average.
Being intermediate between extremes, as on a scale: a player of average ability.
Usual or ordinary in kind or character: a poll of average people; average eyesight.
Assessed in accordance with the law of averages.

verb av·er·aged, av·er·ag·ing, av·er·ag·es

verb, transitive

Mathematics To calculate the average of: average a set of numbers.
To do or have an average of: averaged three hours of work a day.
To distribute proportionately: average one's income over four years so as to minimize the tax rate.

verb, intransitive

To be or amount to an average: Some sparrows are six inches long, but they average smaller. Our expenses averaged out to 45 dollars per day.

Phrasal Verbs: average down To purchase shares of the same security at successively lower prices in order to reduce the average price of one's position. average up To purchase shares of the same security at successively higher prices in order to achieve a larger position at an average price that is lower than the current market value.

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