What does the term 'median' refer to in a triangle?

The term 'median' in a triangle specifically refers to a segment that connects a vertex to the midpoint of the opposite side. This definition is fundamental in geometry because it allows for the study of various properties related to the triangle’s centroid, which is the point where all three medians intersect. Each median divides the triangle into two smaller triangles of equal area, which is a key concept when analyzing triangle properties and their geometric relations. Understanding this definition is crucial in various geometric proofs and calculations involving triangles. The other choices do not accurately represent the concept of a median in a triangle, as they refer to different aspects or definitions related to triangle geometry.