a list of errors and their corrections inserted, usually on a separate page or slip of paper, in a book or other publication; corrigenda.
Origin: 1625–35
Usage note: Errata is originally the plural of the singular Latin noun erratum. Like many such borrowed nouns (agenda; candelabra), it came by the mid-17th century to be used as a singular noun, meaning “a list of errors or corrections to be made (in a book).” Despite objections by some to this singular use, it is common in standard English: The errata begins on page 237. When errata clearly means “errors,” it takes plural verbs and pronouns: Although errata were frequent in the first printing, most of them were corrected in subsequent printings. As a singular noun, errata has developed an English plural form erratas, which is rarely used.
er·ra·tum (ĭ-rä'təm, ĭ-rā'-) n.
pl.er·ra·ta (-tə) An error in printing or writing, especially such an error noted in a list of corrections and bound into a book.
[Latin errātum, from neuter past participle of errāre, to stray; see ers- in Indo-European roots.]