memorandum

memorandum Definition

memo·ran·dum (mem′ə ran′dəm)

noun pl. -·dums or -·da-də

1. a short note written to help one remember something or remind one to do something
2. a record of events or observations, esp. one for future use
an informal written communication, as from one department to another in an office
in diplomacy, a summary or outline of a subject under discussion, reasons for or against some action, etc.
Business a statement, made by the consignor, of the goods and terms of a consignment sent with the privilege of return
Law a short written statement of the terms of an agreement, contract, or transaction

Etymology: ME < L neut. of memorandus, to be remembered, ger. of memorare, to remember: see memory

memorandum Synonyms

memorandum Law Definition

A form of written internal communication utilized in businesses and other office environments.
A summary of the terms of an agreement (typically one to be drafted later).
A legal brief, typically on a motion or other issue arising at the trial level.

memorandum Usage Examples

Converse of object

submit: Witnesses should submit memoranda, which should not be more than 10 sides of A4 paper to the committee by Friday 19 January 2001.
sign: In order to be considered in the Chairman's sift, signed memoranda must be deposited by midday each Thursday during Parliamentary sittings.
circulate: In June 1942, an internal memorandum circulated within the organization outlining its subversive action policy.
revise: The board has adopted a revised memorandum on corporate governance and revised terms of reference for each of the board's standing committees.
prepare: The Secretariat had prepared a memorandum in November 2001.
amend: However if you have specific needs, such as amended memorandum or you wish to use a sensitive word it can take slightly longer.

Converse of subject

accompany: All references to the Joint Committee must be accompanied by memoranda.

Adjective modifier

explanatory: An explanatory memorandum has been provided setting out clearly how the motion would amend the Standing Orders.
supplementary: The United Kingdom Parliament 2002 Supplementary memorandum by UNISON.
confidential: It was not properly acknowledged as a problem until 1956, " she wrote in a confidential memorandum in October 1971.
internal: Land Registry's response was further undermined by internal memoranda concluding that notices should in fact have been served.
accompanying: Their effect is even more damaging than the description given in Stephen Byers ' accompanying memorandum to the proposals.
financial: A financial memorandum with partners is crucial: who does what must be spelled out at an early stage.

Modifies a noun

book: The cash memorandum books contain a record of the amount deducted from employees wages for the rent of mill houses on a weekly basis.

Noun used with modifier

draft: Draft memorandum by the sub-committee of the National Committee for Astronomy on the project for an international observatory in the Southern Hemisphere, 1956.
cash: The cash memorandum books contain a record of the amount deducted from employees wages for the rent of mill houses on a weekly basis.

Preposition: of

understanding: A formal memorandum of understanding between our offices is expected to be agreed shortly.
association: PPL adopted a new memorandum of association in June 1996.
agreement: The memorandum of agreement should be amended to record the agreement between the parties.
conversation: Referred to in paragraph I of memorandum of conversation.

memorandum Quotes

A memorandum iswritten not toinformthereader butto protect the writer.

—Acheson, Dean Gooderham

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