Medal

Definition

Medal typically refers to a flat piece of metal, often circular, which is stamped with a design or emblem and used as a reward for some achievement, service, or excellence.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈmɛdəl/
• Respelling: MED-uhl (with "MED" as in "medicine" and "uhl" as in "muddle")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈmɛdəl/
• Respelling: MED-uhl (with "MED" as in "medicine" and "uhl" as in "muddle")

In both dialects, "medal" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "MED." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "MED-uhl."

Etymology

The word "medal" is derived from the Middle French word "médaille," which in turn comes from the Latin "medallia," meaning "coin worth half a denarius." The Latin word "medialis" meaning "of the middle" might also have influenced its etymology.

Derivatives

• Medallion
• Medalist (or Medallist)
• Medaled (or Medalled)
• Medallic
• Medallurgy

Synonyms

• Award
• Decoration
• Plaque

Antonyms

• None

Usage

"Medal" is most commonly associated with awards given for achievements, especially in competitive fields like sports, military services, or academic endeavors.

Related Terms

• Trophy
• Ribbon
• Honor
• Commemoration
• Badge

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Physical Award: A small, flat and usually round piece of metal given as a reward for a particular achievement or service.
• Example: She won a gold medal at the Olympics for her outstanding performance.

• Symbolic Recognition: An emblem or insignia recognizing particular accomplishments, service, or merit.
• Example: The war veteran was honored with several medals for his bravery.

• Artistic Object: A small, flat and typically round piece of metal with an inscription or design, made to commemorate an event or awarded as a distinction to someone such as a soldier, athlete, or scholar.
• Example: The artist designed a commemorative medal to mark the city's 200th anniversary.