quotum

Quotum is a noun derived from the Latin word quotum, meaning a portion or share. In modern usage, quotum appears as a formal or legal term in several languages to denote a fixed allocation of a resource, entitlement, or opportunity. It is closely related to the more common English term quota, and in many contexts the two forms are interchangeable, though quotum is often retained in official or historic phrasing.

Usage and contexts

In resource and environmental management, a quotum commonly refers to a cap on the quantity of a resource that may be used or harvested within a given period, such as a fishing quotum or a timber quotum. In immigration, employment, or education policy, quotums set maximum numbers of entrants, hires, or admissions—again functioning as fixed allocations. In industry and budgeting, a production quotum or budget quotum can specify target outputs or funding shares allocated to programs or departments.

Relation to quota

Quotum is frequently used in legal, governmental, or historical texts that preserve Latin terminology, while quota remains the more widely used everyday term in English. The underlying concept is the same: a predetermined portion that is allowable or required, separate from flexible demand or supply dynamics.

Etymology and notes

Quotum originates from Latin quotum, the neuter of quotus, meaning “what number” or “a portion.” In modern multilingual contexts, it can appear as a loanword in formal policy documents, academic writing, or historical discussion of allocation systems.

See also: quota, allocation, cap, allocation mechanism.