locus
n. countablen. the specific place where something happens or where a particular idea is centered. In math, it is a set of points that all follow the same rule.
n. a central point or place where something happens or is situated; in mathematics, a set of points whose location is determined by stated conditions.
The town square is the locus of social life.
The university campus became the locus of political protest during the election season.
In geometry, a circle is defined as the locus of all points in a plane that are at a fixed distance from a central point.
Learned borrowing from Latin locus. Doublet of lieu.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
The plural form is 'loci'. Often used in academic contexts to discuss the center of power, activity, or control.
the locuses of powerthe loci of powerThe word uses the Latin plural 'loci' rather than the standard English '-es' ending.
Last updated May 7, 2026