I. ˌmeməˈrandəm, -raan- noun
( plural memoran·dums -dəmz ; or memoran·da -də)
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin, neuter of memorandus to be remembered, future passive participle of memorare to remind — more at memorable
1.
a. : an informal record of something that one wishes to remember or preserve for future use : a note to help or jog the memory : one of the notes in a diary
this book … was assembled from his diaries, memorandums, and letters — New Yorker
b. : memento , reminder
2.
a.
(1) : a brief or informal note in writing of some transaction or an outline of an intended instrument : an instrument drawn up in a brief and compendious form
(2) : the clause beginning a record in the former Court of King's Bench in proceedings by bill
(3) : memorandum of association
(4) : the body of exceptions making up the clause in a marine insurance policy exempting the insurer wholly or partially from liability for loss on various articles
b.
(1) : a statement by the shipper of the terms of a shipment sent with the privilege of return if not sold — used especially in the jewelry trade
(2) : the third or duplicate copy of a bill of lading
3.
a. : an informal diplomatic communication ; specifically : a written statement from a department of state or a ministry of foreign affairs to an embassy or legation used especially for routine transmissions or inquires and never bearing a signature
b. : a usually brief informal communication typically written for interoffice circulation on paper headed memorandum
depend on countless memoranda for giving directions and for exchanging essential information — Milton Hall
c. : a routine publication by an authorized military headquarters containing directive, advisory, or informative matter
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: to make a memorandum of