average

noun

• 1a number expressing the central or typical value in a set of data, in particular the mode, median, or (most commonly) the mean, which is calculated by dividing the sum of the values in the set by their number:the proportion of over-60s is above the EU average of 19 per cent
• an amount, standard, level, or rate regarded as usual or ordinary:underground water reserves are below average they take about thirty minutes on average

• 2 [mass noun] the apportionment of financial liability resulting from loss of or damage to a ship or its cargo.
• reduction in the amount payable under an insurance policy, e.g. in respect of partial loss.

adjective

• constituting the result obtained by adding together several amounts and then dividing this total by the number of amounts:the average temperature in May was 4°C below normal
• of the usual or ordinary amount, standard, level, or rate:a woman of average height
• having qualities that are seen as typical of a particular person, group, or thing:the average lad likes a good night out
• mediocre; not very good:a very average director making very average movies

verb

• amount to or achieve as an average rate or amount over a period of time; mean:annual inflation averaged 2.4 per cent
• calculate or estimate the average of:the women earned only £35 weekly when their seasonal earnings were averaged out
• [no object] (average out) result in an even distribution; even out:it is reasonable to hope that the results will average out
• [no object] (average out at/to) result in an average figure of:the cost should average out at about £6 per page