locus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Technical
Quick answer
What does “locus” mean?
A specific place, point, or position where something occurs or is situated. In mathematics and science, it denotes the set of all points satisfying particular conditions.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specific place, point, or position where something occurs or is situated. In mathematics and science, it denotes the set of all points satisfying particular conditions.
A centre or focal point of activity, attention, or concentration. In genetics, the specific physical location of a gene on a chromosome. In legal contexts, the place where a rule applies or an event occurs.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The pronunciation of the plural 'loci' shows minor variation (/ˈləʊsaɪ/ in RP vs. /ˈloʊsaɪ/ in GA).
Connotations
Equally formal and academic in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally infrequent in general speech but standard in academic and technical writing in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “locus” in a Sentence
the locus of [abstract noun]a locus for [activity]located at the locusidentify the locusVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially in formal strategy: 'The new policy made Asia the locus of our expansion.'
Academic
Common in mathematics, genetics, philosophy, and sociology: 'The study identified the locus of the gene responsible for the trait.' 'The city was the locus of cultural innovation.'
Everyday
Very rare. Would typically be replaced by 'place', 'centre', or 'point'.
Technical
Standard term in mathematics (locus of points), genetics (gene locus), and engineering.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “locus”
- Using 'locus' as a synonym for a large or vague area (it implies specificity).
- Pronouncing the plural 'loci' as /ˈlɒki/ or /ˈlɒsi/.
- Using it in informal conversation where a simpler word would be appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The plural is 'loci', pronounced /ˈləʊsaɪ/ (UK) or /ˈloʊsaɪ/ (US).
No, it is a formal, academic, and technical term. In everyday speech, words like 'place', 'spot', or 'centre' are used instead.
It refers to the degree to which people believe they have control over events in their lives (internal locus) versus believing events are controlled by external forces (external locus).
No, 'locus' is exclusively a noun. There is no standard verb form. The related verb is 'to locate'.
A specific place, point, or position where something occurs or is situated. In mathematics and science, it denotes the set of all points satisfying particular conditions.
Locus is usually formal, academic, technical in register.
Locus: in British English it is pronounced /ˈləʊkəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈloʊkəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Locus standi (legal term for the right to bring an action)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of "LOCUS" as a "LOCation for US" – a precise spot designated for a specific purpose.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE/ACTIVITY IS A PLACE (e.g., 'the locus of power', 'the locus of the problem' implies the issue is situated somewhere specific).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'locus' LEAST appropriate?