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milieu

middle

noun meel-YUH Less Common
Descriptions & Qualities Sizes & Shapes

Also means

environment

Usage Note

Milieu entered English directly (plural milieus or milieux). In French it means 'middle' (au milieu de = 'in the middle of'), 'environment' (milieu naturel), or 'social circle' (le milieu can refer to the criminal underworld). The plural is milieux, following the standard -eu noun pattern.

Examples

"La table est au milieu de la pièce."

Natural Translation

The table is in the middle of the room.

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