For Hilbert space operators H, K, X with H, K greater than or equal to 0 th
e norm inequality \\\H-1/2 XK1/2\\\less than or equal to 1/2\\\HX + XK\\\ i
s known. \\\ . \\\ is an arbitrary unitarily invariant norm. A refinement o
f this arithmetic-geometric mean inequality is studied. Similar norm inequa
lities. are indeed established Fur various natural means for operators such
as the logarithmic mean. (C) 1999 Academic Press.