dictum

/ˈdɪktəm/

/ˈdɪktəm/

Other forms: dicta; dictums

"You are what you eat" is a dictum, and so is a law requiring you to curb your dog. A dictum is a formal pronouncement, a rule, or a statement that expresses a truth universally acknowledged.

Dictum dates from the 16th Century. It descended from a Latin word that means "something said." In contemporary use, it means more like "something that is officially said." If the principal of your school issues a dictum declaring "no jeans in school," it's time to go shopping.

Definitions of dictum

1. noun

   an authoritative declaration
   synonyms: pronouncement, say-so

   types:

   directive

   a pronouncement encouraging or banning some activity

   Presidential Directive

   a directive issued by the President of the United States; usually addressed to all heads of departments and agencies

   type of:

   declaration

   a statement that is emphatic and explicit (spoken or written)
2. noun

   an opinion voiced by a judge on a point of law not directly bearing on the case in question and therefore not binding
   synonyms: obiter dictum

   type of:

   judgement, judgment, legal opinion, opinion

   the legal document stating the reasons for a judicial decision