Midweight

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. A category of textile or fabric that is of a moderate density, ideal for a range of clothing needs
2. A classification of apparel that balances between lightweight and heavyweight fabrics, fitting for diverse climates
3. A fabric classified by its medium thickness and density suitable for versatile clothing use ; apparel or equipment designed to weigh moderately, providing a balance between lightness and heaviness

Etymology: "Midweight" is about as transparent as English compounds get: "mid-" meaning "middle of" or "in the middle of," joined to "weight." The result is a plain description of something sitting between light and heavy, the sort of term a clothing label, a boxing category or a fabric catalogue would use. The word's interest lies mostly in the older parts it is built from. "Mid" comes from Old English "midd," meaning "middle," and it survives in many English compounds such as "midday," "midsummer" and "midnight," where it marks a point within a span of time or space. "Weight" goes back to Old English "gewiht," which referred to the heaviness of an object, and it has long been used in both physical and figurative senses.

Synonyms: medium-weight, moderate-weight

Antonyms: lightweight, heavyweight