Cursum

Cursum is a Latin noun-form, the accusative singular of cursus, a masculine noun of the fourth declension. Cursus itself means course, running, path, or direction, and by extension a sequence or trajectory. Cursum appears when the noun is used in the accusative case, for example as the direct object or with verbs that govern the accusative to indicate a movement along a course or toward a destination. In grammar notes, cursum is contrasted with cursus in other cases and numbers; the nominative singular is cursus, and the nominative and accusative plural are cursus as well, with cursuum as genitive plural and cursibus as both dative and ablative plural.

In classical Latin, cursum is often found in phrases that describe movement or intention. A common example showing its directional sense is vertere cursum, “to change one’s course,” or ducere cursum, “to lead along a course.” More broadly, the root conveys physical routes as well as figurative pathways in life or fate.

Cursum is connected to well-known Latin terms built from the same root. Cursus honorum refers to the sequential ladder of political offices in the Roman state, while cursus publicus denotes the official state courier and postal system. Although these phrases use cursus rather than cursum, they illustrate how the underlying concept of course or path pervades legal, administrative, and literary Latin.