datum

/'deitəm/

Thân thiện

A scientist records a single datum in her notebook.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A single piece of factual information: A "datum" is one individual unit of information, typically a fact or statistic, that is derived from observation, measurement, or research. It is the singular form of "data."

Usage

• "Datum" is a formal, technical term. In everyday language and many professional contexts, the word "data" is commonly used for both singular and plural meanings. However, in strict academic, scientific, or technical writing, "datum" is the correct singular form.
• It is often used to refer to a single reference point or measurement in fields like surveying, geography, and data science.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The exact elevation of this benchmark is a crucial datum for the survey.
  • Each datum in the spreadsheet must be verified for accuracy before analysis.
  • The researcher recorded a single datum: the patient's temperature at noon.

Advanced Usage

• "Datum point" or "Datum level": A specific, fixed reference point used in measurements, especially in engineering, mapping, and construction.
  • All depth measurements on the nautical chart are relative to the chart datum.
• "Datum plane": A theoretical plane used as a reference for measuring heights or depths.
  • The floor of the basement was used as the datum plane for the architectural drawings.

Variants and Related Words

• Data (n, plural): The plural form of "datum," referring to a collection of facts, statistics, or information.
  • The data from the experiment supports the hypothesis.
• Database (n): A structured set of data held in a computer.
  • The customer information is stored in a secure database.

Synonyms

• Fact: A piece of information known to be true.
• Figure: A numerical value or statistic.
• Statistic: A single item in a collection of data.

Related Phrases

• Raw datum: An unprocessed, original piece of information.
  • The raw datum from the sensor needs to be calibrated.
• Reference datum: A standard point or value used for comparison.
  • Sea level is often used as a reference datum for altitude.

Học thuật

Noun

1. an item of factual information derived from measurement or research

Từ đồng nghĩa

• data point