among

 
Pronunciation: /əˈmʌŋ/
(chiefly British also amongst /əˈmʌŋst/)

preposition

  • 1situated more or less centrally in relation to (several other things): flowers hidden among the roots of the trees you’re among friends
  • 2being a member or members of (a larger set): a British woman was among the 54 victims of the disaster snakes are among the animals most feared by man
  • 3occurring in or shared by (some members of a group or community): a drop in tooth decay among children members of the government bickered among themselves
  • 4indicating a division, choice, or differentiation involving three or more participants: the old king called the three princesses to divide his kingdom among them the State Council would elect a temporary president from among its members

Origin:

Old English ongemang (from on 'in' + gemang 'assemblage, mingling'). The -st of amongst represents -s (adverbial genitive) + -t probably by association with superlatives (as in against)