auctum

Auctum is a Latin term whose basic meaning is “increase” or “augmentation.” It comes from the verb augere, to increase, and forms the neuter singular of the perfect passive participle, auctum. As a substantive, auctum denotes an increase, augmentation, or growth in a quantity, value, or other measure.

In classical Latin usage, auctum can function as a noun to refer to something that has been increased or an act of increasing. Because Latin neuter nouns often appear with identical nominative and accusative forms, auctum may be found in sentences where the idea of an increase or increment is being described neutrally as a thing rather than as a verb or adjective.

Grammatically, auctum is the neuter singular form, with plural neuter form aucta. When used as a substantive, it often appears in contexts discussing quantities, prices, or holdings that have grown or been augmented. As a common Latin term, it is primarily of interest in linguistic, textual, or philological study rather than in everyday modern usage.

Modern references to auctum are typically scholarly or pedagogical, appearing in discussions of Latin grammar, translations, or historical texts. The word is rarely used in contemporary everyday language, but it remains a usable Latin root in academic contexts and in the formation of Latin-derived terms.