Selectatus

Selectatus is a term encountered in some modern academic and fictional writings to denote something that has been selected or filtered according to predefined criteria. It is derived from the Latin adjective selectatus, meaning “chosen” or “selected,” formed from the verb seligere (to choose).

In linguistic and etymological contexts, selectatus can function as a loanword used as a noun meaning “the selected element” or as an adjective describing a subset, criterion, or member that has passed a test. Its usage is typically confined to theoretical or illustrative discussions rather than standardized terminology.

In information processing and decision theory, selectatus elements are those that meet a threshold or criteria set by a selection function. The concept helps describe the outcome of filtering processes, such as choosing records from a database or identifying candidate options in a multi-criteria decision analysis. When used, it often appears in discussions about filtering, prioritization, or sampling.

In philosophy and ethics, selectatus may be used to discuss standards or criteria that determine which options are considered valid or preferable, though such usage is rare and usually appears in hypothetical or analytical contexts rather than as a formal term.

In fiction and speculative writing, selectatus may be employed as a proper noun or as a label for a class of individuals or items that have been specially chosen, curated, or sanctioned by an authority.

See also: selection, subset, filter, criterion, selection function.