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noun Uncommon

locus

LOH-kuhs

Locus (noun) means a particular place, especially one seen as a centre of activity. Example: “The old square became the locus of the protests.”

noun
1
A particular place, especially one seen as a centre of activity.
"The old square became the locus of the protests."
"The lab is the locus of all the university's vaccine research."
2
In mathematics, the set of all points that satisfy a given condition or equation.
"The locus of points equidistant from a fixed point is a circle."
3
In genetics, the fixed position of a gene on a chromosome.
"Researchers identified a locus linked to the disorder."

How to use locus

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA fixed, specific location — used literally for places, and technically in maths (a set of points) and genetics (a gene's spot on a chromosome).

When to use it

Formal/technical; plural is "loci."

Common pairings
locus of control locus of activity genetic locus

Word forms

loci plural, locuses plural

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The old square became the _____ of the protests.

Etymology

A learned borrowing of Latin locus, "place." A doublet of the English word "lieu."

Origin: Latin

Related words

Rhymes for locus

See all rhymes for locus →

Frequently asked questions

What does “locus” mean?

The word “locus” means a particular place, especially one seen as a centre of activity. In plain terms, a fixed, specific location — used literally for places, and technically in maths (a set of points) and genetics (a gene's spot on a chromosome).

How do you pronounce “locus”?

“Locus” is pronounced LOH-kuhs (/ˈloʊkəs/ in IPA).

How do you use “locus” in a sentence?

Here is “locus” used in a sentence: “The old square became the locus of the protests.”

What part of speech is “locus”?

“Locus” is a noun.

Where does the word “locus” come from?

The word “locus” comes from Latin. A learned borrowing of Latin locus, "place." A doublet of the English word "lieu.".

Is “locus” a common word?

“Locus” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “locus” have?

“Locus” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a particular place, especially one seen as a centre of activity.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial