Desideratum
/dɪˌsɪdəˈrɑːtəm/noun
Something considered necessary, desirable, or greatly wanted.
Did you know?Although often linked to Latin sidus, “star,” that connection is debated; the word’s true history securely begins with Latin desiderare, meaning “to long for” or “to desire.”
Etymological Timeline
Classical Latin
Latin
dēsīderāre
“To desire, long for, or miss”
Classical Latin
Latin
dēsīderātum
“A thing desired; the neuter form of dēsīderātus”
Late Latin
Latin
dēsīderātum
“Something wanted or lacking”
17th Century
English
desideratum
“A thing desired or needed”
Modern English
English
desideratum
“A necessary or highly desirable thing”