loci: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic, Technical
Quick answer
What does “loci” mean?
The plural form of 'locus', meaning specific points, places, or positions where something occurs or is situated.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The plural form of 'locus', meaning specific points, places, or positions where something occurs or is situated.
Can refer to the set of points satisfying a particular condition in mathematics, the positions of genes on a chromosome in genetics, or the central themes/ideas in a discussion or argument.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Equally formal and academic in both varieties.
Frequency
Used with similar (low) frequency in both British and American academic/professional writing.
Grammar
How to Use “loci” in a Sentence
The loci of [noun phrase]Loci associated with [noun phrase]Loci for [noun phrase]Loci on/in/at [location]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “loci” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - 'loci' is not a verb.
American English
- N/A - 'loci' is not a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A - 'loci' is not an adverb.
American English
- N/A - 'loci' is not an adverb.
adjective
British English
- N/A - 'loci' is not an adjective. The related adjective is 'local'.
- N/A
American English
- N/A - 'loci' is not an adjective.
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Almost never used, except perhaps in highly technical business analytics or logistics.
Academic
Frequent in mathematics, geometry, genetics, physics, and literary analysis (e.g., 'loci of meaning').
Everyday
Extremely rare. The average speaker would use 'places' or 'points'.
Technical
Core term in specific fields like mathematics (loci of points), genetics (gene loci), and surveying.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “loci”
- Using 'locuses' (incorrect plural; the correct plural is always 'loci').
- Mispronouncing it as /ˈlɒki/ (like 'lucky') or /ˈloʊsi/.
- Using it in casual conversation where 'places' or 'points' is appropriate, sounding pretentious.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The singular form is 'locus'.
It is not recommended, as it is a highly formal, academic word. Using it in casual talk would sound unnatural and pretentious. Use 'places', 'points', or 'spots' instead.
No, it is incorrect. The only standard plural form is 'loci', derived from Latin.
Mathematics (especially geometry) and Genetics are the two most common fields. It is also used in formal rhetoric and literary analysis.
The plural form of 'locus', meaning specific points, places, or positions where something occurs or is situated.
Loci is usually formal, academic, technical in register.
Loci: in British English it is pronounced /ˈləʊsaɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈloʊsaɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Locus of control (psychology idiom)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Loci' sounds like 'low-sigh'. Remember that mathematicians sometimes give a 'low sigh' when trying to plot difficult 'loci' of points on a graph.
Conceptual Metaphor
CENTRES ARE POINTS (Abstract concepts or activities are understood as having specific, definable central points or locations).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'loci' MOST appropriately used?