mean-n; 5 Senses

Sense Number 1: a numeric average computed according to a specific function

Commentary: MEAN[+quantity][+number][+average][+computed][+functionally]

Examples:
Acid output was calculated by taking the mean of all three samples.
The geometric mean between 9 and 4 is 6.
Find the arithmetic mean of the numbers between 1 and 20.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 1

Sense Number 2: a situation of balance equidistant between opposing alternatives

Commentary: MEAN[+state][+balance][+equidistant][+opposing][+position]

Examples:
This compromise is a mean between the two parties' opposing stands on the issue.
They choose that course as the mean between two extremes.
She is trying to find a happy mean between time spent working and time with her family.

Mappings:
WordNet 0.0 Sense Numbers: 2

Sense Number 3: available resources for some purpose

Commentary: MEAN[+entity][+resource][+usable] [+relation][+function][+utility]
NOTE: usually in the plural Includes idiom by_means_of

Examples:
He is a man of considerable means.
It was hard to imagine by what means those refugees were able to survive the winter.
Critics say the means do not justify the ends.
He managed to flee the burning building by means of the fire escape.

Mappings:
WordNet 0.0 Sense Numbers: 2, 3

Sense Number 4: most assuredly yes

Commentary: Idiom: by_all_means

Examples:
By all means plan to stay at our house when you are in town next week!
We were told by all means to include the museum on our sightseeing tour.

Mappings:
WordNet 0.0 Sense Numbers: idiom

Sense Number 5: definitely not, no way

Commentary: Idiom: by_no_means

Examples:
You are by no means to allow the children on the boat without life jackets.
He was by no means the only one who participated in the vandalism.

Mappings:
WordNet 0.0 Sense Numbers: idiom