"What's the plural of medium?"

Which is Correct: Mediums or Media?

"Media" is more commonly used when referring to a means of communication or mass communication channels, such as television, radio, the internet, newspapers, and magazines. It is used to describe the various forms of information and entertainment that reach a large audience.

For example, "The news media played a crucial role in reporting the breaking story to the public."

This follows the same rule as other Latin plurals such as curriculum and forum.

On the other hand, "mediums" is the preferred spelling when referring to other meanings of the word. For example it can be used to describe the materials, tools, or techniques used to create a piece of artwork.

For instance, you could say, "The artist experimented with different mediums, such as oil paint, watercolor, and charcoal."

Additionally, "mediums" is used to refer to individuals who claim to have psychic or supernatural abilities and act as intermediaries between the spiritual and physical realms.

For example, you might say, "Several mediums were present at the séance to contact the departed."

Is Media Singular or Plural?

The word "media" is generally considered plural. It is the plural form of the singular noun "medium."

However, in certain contexts, "media" can also be used as a collective noun referring to various forms of communication, such as newspapers, television, and radio, which are treated as a singular entity. In this sense, "media" can be used with a singular verb.

Is Medium a Countable or Uncountable Noun?

The word "medium" is typically considered a countable noun. Countable nouns are objects or entities that can be counted as separate units or individuals. In the case of "medium," it can refer to a single person or a specific communication channel.

On the other hand, "media" is often treated as an uncountable noun when used to describe the collective forms of communication. For example, you would say "the media plays a crucial role in society" rather than "the media play crucial roles in society."

Collective Noun for a Group of Mediums or Media

There is no specific collective noun for a group of mediums or media. However, if you are referring to a group of individuals practicing as mediums, you can use terms like "a gathering of mediums" or "an assembly of mediums."

As for the collective noun for various forms of media, "the media" itself is commonly used as a collective term.