mainstream Definition

mainstream
noun

1. The chief trend, or direction of development, in any activity, business, movement, etc.

Example: His work is not part of the mainstream of modern art
Form: the mainstream (usually)
2. The principal current of a river which has tributaries.
3. Mainstream jazz (see adj 3).

adj

1. Belonging or relating to the mainstream.
2. In accordance with what is normal or standard.

Example: takes a mainstream view on this subject
Thesaurus: conventional, orthodox, accepted, established, normal, standard, average; Antonym: heterodox, peripheral.
3. jazz.
Said of swing, etc: belonging or relating to a style that developed between early (ie traditional) and modern jazz.

verb

(especially US)
1. education.
To integrate (children with learning difficulties or who need special education) into ordinary schools.

Derivative: mainstreaming
noun

The introduction of special needs children into ordinary schools.

Etymology: 20c as verb;17c in sense 2.