datum

American  

[dey-tuhm, dat-uhm, dah-tuhm] / ˈdeɪ təm, ˈdæt əm, ˈdɑ təm /

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.

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datum British  

/ 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

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Usage

See data.

Etymology

Origin of datum

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

Example Sentences

The analysis focused on the first 12 weeks of the program -- a period when participants are typically most engaged and provide the most accurate data about their eating habits.

From Science Daily

By combining genomic data with fossil evidence, the researchers reconstructed both the timeline and environmental context of squid and cuttlefish evolution.

From Science Daily

These microscopic machines could also assemble ultra-precise data storage systems and computing devices at the nanometer scale.

From Science Daily

Researchers tested more than 5,500 compounds that were already approved or had strong safety data.

From Science Daily

As interest in quantum materials grows, nanomaterials like MXenes are gaining attention for their ability to improve computing power and data storage.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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