memo
UK[ˈmeməʊ]US[ˈmemoʊ]
n
A short written message used within an organization, typically for communication between colleagues.
n
A short official note or record used for future reference.
Morpheme Breakdown
mem
o
mem
remember
o
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'memo' is a 20th-century clipping of the earlier term 'memorandum', which originates from the Latin gerundive 'memorandum', meaning "(a thing) to be remembered". This Latin form is built on the verb 'memorare' (to bring to mind, recount), which itself derives from the root 'memor' (mindful). The core concept of memory and record-keeping is thus preserved from its Latin origins. The modern clipped form 'memo' emerged in business and administrative English as a convenient shorthand for an internal note designed to preserve information, streamlining the formal 'memorandum' into a ubiquitous tool for organizational communication.
Analysis
Structure: mem (remember) + o (noun suffix)
- mem: A direct substring of the English spelling, derived from the Latin root 'memor' (mindful, remembering). Its functional role is to carry the core semantic sense of memory or record.
- o: A direct substring of the English spelling, functioning as a common noun-forming suffix, often used in clipped or informal words (e.g., photo, demo).
Examples
She sent a memo to all department heads about the schedule change.
I'll make a memo of that decision for our files.
The policy was outlined in an internal company memo.