noun

memorandum

mem-uh-RAN-dum/ˌmeməˈrændəm/

A written message or record of information.

The director sends a memorandum explaining the new office rules.

One office colleague passes a short written business note to another across a small desk with a plain document tray; the note is viewed from its blank back, paper and business exchange central, no readable text.

Etymology

The verb “to call to mind” takes a form meaning “something to be remembered.” Originally used to introduce a reminder of something to do, memorandum came to name the written note itself.

In context

Dead Signal Investigation2:10

delivered a blunt written memorandum to Congress describing an army

Nine Words And A Pair Of Glasses Stopped America's First Military Coup

More examples

A memorandum in the file records the terms of our agreement.
Please read the memorandum before tomorrow's meeting.
The committee's memoranda summarize its recommendations.

Forms

memorandum · memorandums · memoranda

memo noun — A short written message or record.

Similar words

note: Usually shorter and less formal than a memorandum.
report: Typically presents fuller findings rather than a brief message.