datum
datum Lexical Profile
datum Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A single piece of factual information, statistic, or measurement used as a basis for reasoning, discussion, or calculation.
"Every single datum collected during the clinical trial was carefully verified before the statistical analysis began."
A fixed starting point of a scale, reference line, or surface against which positions, elevations, or dimensions are measured in surveying, geodesy, and engineering.
"The surveyors measured the elevation of the new bridge deck relative to the local sea-level datum."
An assumption, premise, or starting point taken as given in a philosophical argument or logical deduction.
"Immediate sensory experience served as the foundational datum for the philosopher's theory of knowledge."
Word Nuance & Usage
While 'datum' is historically the singular form of 'data', in modern standard English 'data' is commonly used as both a plural count noun and a singular mass noun, whereas 'datum' is largely restricted to formal scientific, philosophical, or surveying contexts.
• Rhymes for datum
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the mid-17th century directly from Latin 'datum', meaning 'something given', the neuter past participle of 'dare' ('to give').