quorum

noun

Etymology: Inherited from Middle English quorum (c. 1426), from Anglo-Norman quorum, clipped from the Anglo-Latin wording of commissions in which certain persons were specially designated as members of a body by the words quorum vos unum esse volumus ad etc. (“of whom we want you to be one assigned to etc.”). Latin quōrum is the masculine genitive plural of the relative pronoun quī (“who”).

1. A select body of (usually eminent) justices of the peace, every member of which had to be present to constitute a deciding body; a member of this body. Later more generally: all justices collectively.
2. The minimum number of members required for a group to officially conduct business and to cast votes, often but not necessarily a majority or supermajority.

   “We can discuss the issue tonight but cannot vote until we have a quorum.”

   “Texas House Democrats’ historic quorum break unexpectedly ended Thursday evening when at least three new Democrats returned to the floor, paving the way for state Republicans to pass restrictive voting legislation. The surprise turn of events quickly led to public accusations of betrayal among Democrats, as the House now has the required two-thirds of members necessary for a quorum.”

3. Distinguished or essential members of any body; a select company.
4. The minimum number of votes that a distributed transaction has to obtain in order to be allowed to perform an operation in a distributed system.