DATUM

datum, data point

(noun) an item of factual information derived from measurement or research

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

datum (plural data or datums)

(plural: data) A measurement of something on a scale understood by both the recorder (a person or device) and the reader (another person or device). The scale is arbitrarily defined, such as from 1 to 10 by ones, 1 to 100 by 0.1, or simply true or false, on or off, yes, no, or maybe, etc.

(plural: data) (philosophy) A fact known from direct observation.

(plural: data) (philosophy) A premise from which conclusions are drawn.

(plural: datums) (cartography, engineering) A fixed reference point, or a coordinate system.

Verb

datum (third-person singular simple present datums, present participle datuming, simple past and past participle datumed)

To provide missing data points by using a mathematical model to extrapolate values that are outside the range of a measuring device.

Source: Wiktionary

Da"tum, n.; pl. Data. Etym: [L. See 2d Date.]

1. Something given or admitted; a fact or principle granted; that upon which an inference or an argument is based; -- used chiefly in the plural. Any writer, therefore, who . . . furnishes us with data sufficient to determine the time in which he wrote. Priestley.

2. pl. (Math.)

Definition: The quantities or relations which are assumed to be given in any problem. Datum line (Surv.), the horizontal or base line, from which the heights of points are reckoned or measured, as in the plan of a railway, etc.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition