datum

[dey-tuhm, dat-uhm, dah-tuhm]

noun

plural

data, datums 

1. a single piece of information, as a fact, statistic, or code; an item of data.

2. Philosophy.

   1. any fact assumed to be a matter of direct observation.

   2. any proposition assumed or given, from which conclusions may be drawn.

3. Also called sense datum. Epistemology.,  the object of knowledge as presented to the mind.

4. Surveying, Civil Engineering.,  any level surface, line, or point used as a reference in measuring elevations.

5. Surveying.,  a basis for horizontal control surveys, consisting of the longitude and latitude of a certain point, the azimuth of a certain line from this point, and two constants used in defining the terrestrial spheroid.

datum

/ ˈdeɪtəm, ˈdɑːtəm /

noun

1. a single piece of information; fact

2. a proposition taken for granted, often in order to construct some theoretical framework upon it; a given See also sense datum

Usage

See data.

Word History and Origins

Origin of datum¹

First recorded in 1640–50; from Latin: “a thing given,” neuter past participle of dare “to give”

Word History and Origins

Origin of datum¹

C17: from Latin: something given; see _data

Example Sentences

"During the previous administration, CDC lost public trust by manipulating health data to support a political narrative," he wrote on social media on the day he was appointed.

From BBC

In Russia, where people are prosecuted for critical comments or private messages, and a black market of personal data feeds an epidemic of scam calls, this is a real concern.

From BBC

Training involves feeding enormous quantities of data — including social media posts, photos, music, computer code, video and more — to train AI bots to discern patterns of language, images, sound and conversation that they can mimic.

From Los Angeles Times

The U.S. added just 22,000 jobs in August, according to data from the report.

From Salon

Kennedy repeatedly defended his record in heated exchanges with senators from both parties and questioned data that show the effectiveness of vaccines.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accomplishment 
• action 
• case 
• circumstance 
• data 
• evidence 
• experience 
• factor 
• incident 
• information 
• performance 
• phenomenon 
• statistic