What is meant by the term "quorum" in a meeting context?

The term "quorum" specifically refers to the minimum number of members that must be present at a meeting for the proceedings to be considered valid and for official business to be transacted. This concept is crucial for ensuring that decisions are made with adequate representation and participation from the membership. Without a quorum, any decisions made or actions taken during the meeting would not be authorized or considered legally binding, which helps to maintain the integrity and democracy of the organization’s processes.

The other options touch on related concepts—such as the majority needed for passing motions or the total number of members in an organization—but they do not accurately define what quorum signifies in the context of meetings.