Dictionary
datum
noun da·tum \ˈdā-təm, ˈda-, ˈdä-\
: a single piece of information
Full Definition of DATUM
1
plural da·ta \-ə\ : something given or admitted especially as a basis for reasoning or inference
2
plural datums : something used as a basis for calculating or measuring
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Usage Discussion of DATUM
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 (as these, many, a few) but not cardinal numbers, and serving as a referent for plural pronouns (as they, them); and as an abstract mass noun (like information), taking a singular verb and singular modifiers (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.
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Origin of DATUM
Latin, from neuter of datus
First Known Use: 1646
Related to DATUM
- Synonyms
- fact, detail, nicety, particular, particularity, point, specific
Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms
DATUM Defined for Kids
datum
noun da·tum \ˈdā-təm, ˈda-, ˈdä-\
plural da·ta \-tə\ or da·tums
Definition of DATUM for Kids
: a single piece of information : fact
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