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 plot is a departure from the original film where a team of scientists and storm chasers, led by Jo (Helen Hunt) and Bill (Bill Paxton), chase a series of tornadoes to test new technology and gather data on them. —Ilana Kaplan, Peoplemag, 15 July 2024

Nearly 350 companies in the US filed to either liquidate or re-organize through bankruptcy in the first six months of 2024, the highest half-year level since 2010, according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence. —Alexandra Banner, CNN, 15 July 2024

On Monday, Mason also told the court the defense would be filing a motion to suppress data obtained from Linton’s cellphone, including online searches from her phone. —Salvador Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2024

Avoid vaping essential oils and keep your exposure short: Limited human data suggests that inhaling essential oil vapors for longer than one hour can be harmful to cardiovascular health. —Trisha Pasricha, Washington Post, 15 July 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