What is "memorandum"

Memorandum \Mem`o*ran"dum\, n.; pl. E. Memorandums, L. Memoranda. [L., something to be remembered, neut. of memorandus, fut. pass. p. of memorare. See Memorable.]

1. A record of something which it is desired to remember; a note to help the memory.

   I . . . entered a memorandum in my pocketbook.
   --Guardian.

   I wish you would, as opportunity offers, make memorandums of the regulations of the academies.
   --Sir J. Reynolds.

2. (Law) 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.

   Memorandum check, a check given as an acknowledgment of indebtedness, but with the understanding that it will not be presented at bank unless the maker fails to take it up on the day the debt becomes due. It usually has Mem. written on its face.

early 15c., from Latin memorandum "(thing) to be remembered," neuter singular of memorandus "worthy of remembrance, noteworthy," gerundive of memorare "to call to mind," from memor "mindful of" (see memory). Originally a word written at the top of a note, by 1540s it came to stand for the note itself. The Latin plural is memoranda. Compare also agenda.

n. 1 a short note serving as a reminder 2 a written business communication 3 a brief diplomatic communication 4 a page in an annual publication honoring the memory of a person who died during the past year.

1. n. a written proposal or reminder [syn: memo, memoranda]

2. [also: memoranda (pl)]

A memorandum (abbrev.: memo) was from the Latin verbal phrase memorandum est, the gerundive form of the verb memoro, "to mention, call to mind, recount, relate", which means "It must be remembered (that)...". It is therefore a note, document or other communication that helps the memory by recording events or observations on a topic, such as may be used in a business office. The plural form of the Latin noun memorandum so derived is properly memoranda, but if the word is deemed to have become a word of the English language, the plural memorandums, abbreviated to memos, may be used. (See also Agenda, Corrigenda, Addenda) A memorandum can have only a certain number of formats; it may have a format specific to an office or institution. In law specifically, a memorandum is a record of the terms of a transaction or contract, such as a policy memo, memorandum of understanding, memorandum of agreement, or memorandum of association. Alternative formats include memos, briefing notes, reports, letters or binders. They could be one page long or many. They may be considered as grey literature. If the user is a cabinet minister or a senior executive, the format might be rigidly defined and limited to one or two pages. If the user is a colleague, the format is usually much more flexible. At its most basic level, a memorandum can be a handwritten note to one's supervisor. In business, a memo is typically used by firms for internal communication, as opposed to letters which are typically for external communication. Hence, we can consider memoranda as an upward communication process through which any complaint, issues, opinion, views and suggestion are put forward to the authorized level.

Memorandum is the third album by the German band Lacrimas Profundere.

Memorandum is a one-hour 1965 documentary co-directed by Donald Brittain and John Spotton, following Bernard Laufer, a Jewish Holocaust survivor, on an emotional pilgrimage back to the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. Produced by John Kemeny for the National Film Board of Canada, the film received several awards including a Golden Gate Award from the San Francisco International Film Festival. Considered by many critics to be Brittain's finest work, the film’s title refers to Hitler’s memorandum about the “ final solution.”

A detailed analysis of the film's structure is available in Ken Dancyger's The Technique of Film and Video Editing: History, Theory and Practice.