Usually, means. ( used with a singular or plural verb ) an agency, instrument, or method used to attain an end

The telephone is a means of communication. There are several means of solving the problem.

means,

available resources, esp. money

They lived beyond their means.

considerable financial resources; riches

a man of means.

something that is midway between two extremes; something intermediate

to seek a mean between cynicism and blind faith.

Mathematics .

a quantity having a value intermediate between the values of other quantities; an average, esp. the arithmetic mean.

either the second or third term in a proportion of four terms.

Statistics . expected value. mathematical expectation ( def. 2 ) .

Logic . the middle term in a syllogism.

occupying a middle position or an intermediate place, as in kind, quality, degree, or time

a mean speed; a mean course; the mean annual rainfall.

by all means

(in emphasis) certainly

Go, by all means.

at any cost; without fail.

by any means

in any way; at all

We were not surprised at the news by any means.

by means of

with the help of; by the agency of; through

We crossed the stream by means of a log.

by no means

in no way; not at all

The prize is by no means certain.

noun

paucity , poorness , shame

noun

agency , agent , aid , apparatus , auspices , avenue , channel , course , dodge * , equipment , expedient , factor , fashion , gimmick * , instrument , instrumentality , instrumentation , intermediary , machinery , manner , measure , mechanism , medium , ministry , mode , modus operandi , organ , organization , paraphernalia , path , power , process , road , route , step , stepping-stone , system , tactic , technique , trick , vehicle , ways and means * , ace in the hole * , affluence , assets , backing , bankroll , budget , bundle , capital , dough * , estate , finances , fortune , funds , holdings , income , intangibles , kitty * , money , nest egg * , nut * , pocket , possessions , property , purse , rainy day , reserves , revenue , riches , savings , securities , sock * , stake , stuff , substance , wherewithal , artifice , contrivance , device , facility , method , resort , resource , resources , way , wealth