desideratum
nounUK /dɪˌsɪdəˈɹɑːtəm/ · US /dəˌsɪdəˈɹɑtəm/
Etymology Learned borrowing from Latin dēsīderātum (“something that is desired”), neuter nominative singular of dēsīderātus, the passive past participle of dēsīderāre (“to desire”), from dēsīderō (“to desire, want, wish for”), from de- (intensifying prefix) + possibly sīdus (“star; constellation”) though the connection is unclear. The English word is cognate with French desideratum, Spanish desiderátum. The plural is derived from Latin dēsīderāta.
1
Something that is wished for, or considered desirable, particularly when thought to be essential.
- It having hitherto been a deſideratum to draw ſilver wire fine enough for aſtronomical uſes, our author's improvement "conſiſts in nothing but in flattening the fineſt wires which are now drawn."1774 November, “Art. XI. An Improvement Proposed in the Cross Wires of Telescopes. By Dr. Wilson, of Glasgow.”, in The Gentleman’s Magazine, and Historical Chronicle, volume XLIV, London: Printed […] for D[avid] Henry, […], →OCLC, page 529, column 2:
- I shall now, agreeably to your request, endeavour to point out some of the principal Desiderata of the science of Natural History, and the most effectual means to be pursued for the Advancement of Science.1807 June 10, Benjamin Smith Barton, A Discourse on Some of the Principal Desiderata in Natural History, and on the Best Means of Promoting the Study of This Science, in the United-States. […], Philadelphia, Pa.: Printed by Denham & Town, […], →OCLC, page 15:
4 more examples
- The kettle was singing on the side, and a thin white column of smoke announced, that desideratum of tea-makers, that the water boiled at a gallop.1838 (date written), L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], chapter V, in Lady Anne Granard; or, Keeping up Appearances. […], volume I, London: Henry Colburn, […], published 1842, →OCLC, page 46:
- Less teaching and good healing is to-day the acme of "well done;" a healing that is not guesswork, – chronic recovery ebbing and flowing, – but instantaneous cure. This absolute demonstration of Science must be revived. To consummate this desideratum, mortal mind must pass through three stages of growth.1896, Mary Baker Eddy, Miscellaneous Writings 1883–1896, Boston, Mass.: Christian Science Publishing Society, →OCLC; republished Boston, Mass.: Trustees under the Will of Mary Baker G. Eddy, 1924, →OCLC, page 355:
- While much is being done in the detailed improvement of our systems in respect of both matter and manner, the most pressing desideratum has not yet even been recognised as a desideratum.1898, Herbert Spencer, “Moral Education”, in Education: Intellectual, Moral, and Physical, New York, N.Y.: D. Appleton and Company, […], →OCLC, page 161:
- A heavy clay soil is bad for all neuralgics, and the house should be dry, and on a sandy or gravel soil. The desideratum for all neuralgic affections is perpetual summer, but this can only be obtained, and it is not always possible, by an annual migration.1907 November, Angus Caithness, “Notes on Neuralgia”, in J. J. Lawrence, editor, The Medical Brief: A Monthly Journal of Scientific Medicine and Surgery, volume XXXV, number 11, St. Louis, Mo.: [s.n.] […], →OCLC, page 840, column 2:
- Related terms
- desiderate, desideration, desiderative, desirability, desirable, desirably, desire, desirous, desirously, nondesirable, undesirability, undesirable, undesirableness, undesirably, undesirous