mainstream

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the prevailing current of thought

   Their thinking was in the American mainstream.

2. 2
   adj

   Used or accepted broadly rather than by small portions of population, market, scientific community, etc.

   They often carry stories you won't find in the mainstream media.

3. 3
   noun

   That which is common; the norm.

   ideas outside of the mainstream

4. 4
   verb

   To popularize, to normalize, to render mainstream.

   Just as the gang peace movement desired to mainstream hardcore bangers into civic society, The Chronic wanted to drive hardcore rap into the popstream.

5. 5
   verb

   To become mainstream.

   In a nonchurch context, we can look more explicitly at formerly New Age practices to see if and how they have mainstreamed.

6. 6
   verb

   To educate (a disabled student) together with non-disabled students.

   Despite these beliefs, the decision to send my son to a regular school was not made easily. I didn't know of any child as disabled as he who had been mainstreamed.

7. 7
   noun

   The principal current in a flow, such as a river or flow of air

Etymology

From main + stream. Cognate with Icelandic meginstraumur (“a main current, mainstream”).