datum

noun

da·​tum ˈdā-təm  ˈda- 

ˈdä-

1

plural data ˈdā-tə  ˈda- 

also

ˈdä-  : something given or admitted especially as a basis for reasoning or inference

an important historical datum

This enormous expense—and considerable risk—to pick up a datum or two about geriatrics?

—Charles Krauthammer

2

plural datums, mathematics : something used as a basis for calculating or measuring

measuring the distance between datum points

… make things more efficient for those of us whose work requires a time datum.

—Robert Steinbrunn

Is data singular or plural?: Usage Guide

Data leads a life of its own quite independent of datum, of which it was originally the plural. It occurs in two constructions: as a plural noun (like earnings), taking a plural verb and plural modifiers (such as these, many, a few) but not cardinal numbers, and serving as a referent for plural pronouns (such as they, them); and as an abstract mass noun (like information), taking a singular verb and singular modifiers (such as this, much, little), and being referred to by a singular pronoun (it). Both constructions are standard. The plural construction is more common in print, evidently because the house style of several publishers mandates it.

Synonyms

• detail
• fact
• nicety
• particular
• particularity
• point
• specific

Examples of datum in a Sentence

let's begin our discussion of this matter with a datum from actual experience

Recent Examples on the Web

The new rules from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture have the potential to severely impact the hemp industry, which is valued at $280 million to $560 million in annual sales, according to survey data cited in legal documents and reported by the Tennessee Lookout. —Ewan Palmer, Newsweek, 25 Dec. 2024

With more data and future observations, researchers may uncover a clearer understanding of what drives these fascinating marine mammals to adopt such playful antics. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 25 Dec. 2024

The big picture: New Orleans moms are now booking studio sessions for a Santa experience. Go deeper (1 min. read) Ashley May Dec 24, 2024 - Business USPS Operation Santa is delivering more cheer More North Pole mail is being answered, according to U.S. Postal Service data shared with Axios. —Aïda Amer, Axios, 25 Dec. 2024

The company, which sells data analytics tools to defense agencies, bumped up its target for 2024, with fourth-quarter guidance that blew away analysts’ estimates. —Ari Levy, CNBC, 25 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from neuter of datus

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing datum

• sense-datum

Kids Definition

datum

noun

da·​tum ˈdāt-əm  ˈdat- 

ˈdät-

plural data -ə  or datums

: something used as a basis for reasoning or arriving at a conclusion or for calculating or measuring