middle tier
Neither top nor bottom
Middle tier refers to an intermediate level in a hierarchy or ranking system—neither the top nor the bottom.
In computing, the middle tier is the layer between user interface and database, handling business logic: The middle tier processes requests before they reach the server.
More broadly, it describes anything occupying the middle ground: a middle-tier law school, middle-tier pricing.
The term often carries a slight dismissiveness, suggesting adequacy without excellence.
- intermediateBetween two levels
- layerSingle thickness of material
- stratumHorizontal layer of material
- mediocreOf only moderate quality
- averageArithmetic mean or ordinary
glass ceiling · halfway · sandwiched · buffer · bridge · server · backend · architecture · platform · hierarchy · rank · level · second-string · supporting · backbone · infrastructure · middleware · neutral
middle tierpremium tier
dirt-cheap · high-priced · cut-rate · discount · economy class
middle tierelite tier
Uppermost classification level
mass market · exclusive · haute couture · bespoke · off-brand
middle, tier, middles, middling, middled, tiers, tiered, tiering, mid