quorum

Where does the word "quorum" come from? It comes from Latin quorum, and was adopted directly into English (1400s).

Quorum’s story begins in Latin: quorum meant “of whom.” Literally of whom, from the phrasing of official documents naming those required to be present. It reached English by 1400s as quorum. Settled as the word for the minimum number needed to conduct business. Today, quorum means the minimum number of members needed to be present to conduct official business.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient quorum "of whom", literally of whom, from the phrasing of official documents naming those required to be present.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1400s quorum "the minimum number of members needed to conduct business", settled as the word for the minimum number needed to conduct business.