Datum Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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datum
[ˈdeɪtəm ]
Definition
scientific data
In scientific and statistical contexts, a datum is a single piece of information or a fact. It is the singular form of data, which refers to a collection of such facts. While data can be various types of qualitative or quantitative information, a datum typically refers to one specific measure or observation. It is essential in research for making statistical inferences.
Synonyms
data point, fact, piece of information.
Examples of usage
- The datum collected from the experiment was crucial for our hypothesis.
- Each datum provides insight into the overall trends observed in the study.
- He recorded every datum meticulously to ensure accurate interpretation.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- In scientific research, a datum can be a single measurement, like the temperature on a specific day.
- Data is collected in experiments, where each datum contributes to the overall understanding of a phenomenon.
- Statistical analysis often starts with individual data points, highlighting the importance of each datum.
Technology
- In databases, a datum may refer to an entry in a table that holds specific information about a record.
- Data analytics relies heavily on understanding individual data points (or data) to spot trends and make predictions.
- With the rise of big data, the significance of every single datum has grown, as even small pieces can lead to valuable insights.
Education
- Curriculum development looks at individual datums from student assessments to tailor learning experiences.
- In educational research, one datum can influence teaching methods and strategies based on student performance.
- teachers may analyze datums to evaluate how a specific lesson impacted learning outcomes.
Philosophy
- Debates exist around the nature of knowledge, with some philosophers arguing that every datum forms the basis of understanding.
- The study of how we gather, interpret, and communicate individual pieces of information has deep philosophical implications.
- For some, the interpretation of a single datum can redefine our perception of reality.
Origin of 'datum'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'datum' comes from Latin, meaning 'something given.'
- It is the singular form of 'data,' which is a plural term, though many use 'data' as singular in everyday language.
- In academic writing, 'datum' is often used to emphasize a single fact rather than a collection.
The word 'datum' is derived from the Latin word 'datum', which means 'something given'. The Latin verb 'dare' means 'to give', indicating that a datum is a given fact or piece of information. The transition from Latin to English occurred in the late 14th century, with 'datum' initially adopted into English usage primarily in scholarly texts. In modern times, particularly in the fields of statistics, science, and information technology, 'datum' is used to signify a single data point, highlighting the importance of individual facts in the collection and analysis of larger sets of information. Over time, however, it has become less commonly used than its plural counterpart, 'data', which refers to multiple pieces of information.