mezzanine

[mez-uh-neen, mez-uh-neen] /ˈmɛz əˌnin, ˌmɛz əˈnin/
noun
1.
the lowest balcony or forward part of such a balcony in a theater.
2.
a low story between two other stories of greater height in a building, especially when the low story and the one beneath it form part of one composition; an entresol.
Origin
1705-15; < French < Italian mezzanino, equivalent to mezzan(o) middle (< Latin mediānus median) + -ino diminutive suffix
Examples from the web for mezzanine
  • The line to get in the door made a complete loop around the mezzanine balcony, and then wrapped in on itself.
  • The show will be set up on the mezzanine, accessible from the lobby without need of elevators.
  • Fans can choose from seats in the mezzanine or upper box, and lower box on select dates.
  • Installed in the mezzanine and platform levels, these luminous works provide a visual respite for people waiting in the stations.
  • Hybrids rank above equity, which is why they are known as mezzanine debt.
  • In the riskiest end of the credit spectrum are mezzanine finance and payment-in-kind notes.
  • Castilla hit a solo homer into the mezzanine level in left field and a two-run single in helping the Nationals build a 7-4 lead.
  • Belts, bags, umbrellas and small leather goods are on a small mezzanine.
  • Above the living room, on the mezzanine level, is a cinema room.
  • This commitment includes mezzanine financing and capital to support the growth of the brand.
British Dictionary definitions for mezzanine

mezzanine

/ˈmɛzəˌniːn; ˈmɛtsəˌniːn/
noun
1.
Also called mezzanine floor, entresol. an intermediate storey, esp a low one between the ground and first floor of a building
2.
(theatre, US & Canadian) the first balcony
3.
(theatre, Brit) a room or floor beneath the stage
adjective
4.
of or relating to an intermediate stage in a financial process: mezzanine funding Often shortened to mezz
Word Origin
C18: from French, from Italian, diminutive of mezzano middle, from Latin mediānusmedian
Word Origin and History for mezzanine
n.

1711, "a low story between two tall ones in a building," from French mezzanine (17c.), from Italian mezzanino, from mezzano "middle," from Latin medianus "of the middle," from medius (see medial (adj.)). Sense of "lowest balcony in a theater" first recorded 1927.