Romanum

Romanum is a Latin term functioning as an adjective and, in some contexts, as a neuter noun form. It signifies “Roman” or “of Rome” and is most commonly encountered as the neuter singular form of the adjective Romānus, used to describe things associated with Rome when the noun it modifies is of neuter gender.

In classical Latin, Romanum typically appears to agree with neuter nouns. For example, with the neuter noun imperium, the phrase imperium Romanum literally means “the Roman power” and is commonly translated as “the Roman Empire.” Other neuter nouns such as templum or oppidum may also take the form Romanum when describing origin, style, or affiliation. The form contrasts with masculine Romanus and feminine Romana, and with the plural forms Romani (masculine), Romanae (feminine), and Romana (neuter in some plural contexts), reflecting standard second-declension adjective agreement.

Etymology traces Romanum to Romānus, from Roma, the Latin name for Rome. The neuter singular Romanum is the typical agreement with neuter nouns, while other gendered forms appear to match the noun they modify. In usage beyond strict grammar, Romanum is found in historical and ecclesiastical Latin phrases and in modern scholarly texts when referring to things associated with ancient Rome or Roman culture.

See also: Romānus, Romana, Romani, Romanus.