medal: Meaning and Definition of

med•al

Pronunciation: (med'l), [key]
— n., v., -aled, -al•ing -alled, -al•ling.
—n.
  1. a flat piece of metal, often a disk but sometimes a cross, star, or other form, usually bearing an inscription or design, issued to commemorate a person, action, or event, or given as a reward for bravery, merit, or the like: a gold medal for the best swimmer.
  2. a similar object bearing a religious image, as of a saint: a Saint Christopher's medal.
—v.t.
  1. to decorate or honor with a medal.
—v.i.
  1. to receive a medal, esp. in a sporting event: He medaled in three of four races.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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