mem|o|ran|dum

mem|o|ran|dum «_MEHM uh RAN duhm», noun, plural -dums or -da.

1. a short written statement for future use; note to aid one's memory: »

A memorandum on his desk reminded him that it was his wife's birthday. “The horror of that moment,” the King went on, “I shall never, never forget!” “You will, though,” the Queen said, “if you don't make a memorandum of it” (Lewis Carroll).

2. an informal letter, note, or report: »

I contented myself…to write down only the most remarkable events of my life, without continuing a memorandum of other things (Daniel Defoe).

3. Law. a writing containing the terms of a transaction.

4. (in diplomacy) a summary of facts and arguments on some issue or arrangement that concerns two or more governments.

5. Commerce. a written statement of the terms under which a shipment of goods is made, authorizing their return if they are not sold within a specified time: »

Sollazzo then took to peddling jewelry…obtaining his wares on memorandum (New Yorker).

╂[< Latin memorandum (thing) to be remembered, neuter singular of memorandus, gerundive memorāre; see etym. under memorable (Cf. ↑memorable)]