DictionaryAI

datum

DAY-tuhm/ˈdeɪtəm/

4 meanings of datum

Practice

  1. 1
    noun
    Singular of data. Use this form when you mean just one piece of information.

    Every datum in the table came from a careful measurement.

    He checked one datum twice to make sure it was right.

    UsageMost people say a data point or a piece of data for one item.

    Note
  2. 2
    reference levelnouncountable
    A fixed point or line that you measure other positions from.

    Like the zero mark on a ruler that you measure everything else from.

    The team picked one fixed datum and measured every hill from it.

    On the map, all the heights start from the same datum.

    UsageFor more than one, say datums, as in tidal datums.

    Similarbenchmark, baseline

    Note

Less common meanings

  1. 3
    noun
    In sea rescues, the place where a lost person or boat most likely is, after allowing for wind and currents.
  2. 4
    verb
    To change survey readings, especially of sound waves through the ground, so they seem measured from one chosen level.

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Origin

From Latin datum, meaning "a given."

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 2 facts