locality

UK: ləʊˈkæləti | US: loʊˈkæləti

Definition
  1. n. a particular place or area

  2. n. the fact or condition of having a location in space or time

  3. n. (computing) the principle that data items are accessed most efficiently if stored near where they are used

Structure
local <relating to place>ity <noun suffix>
Etymology

The word "locality" derives from the Late Latin localitas, formed from localis (pertaining to a place, from locus "place") + the suffix -itas (indicating a state or condition). The root locus (Latin for "place") has been preserved in English through words like "location" and "locale." The suffix -ity transforms the adjective "local" into a noun, emphasizing the concept of being tied to a specific place. Over time, "locality" evolved to describe both physical areas and abstract spatial relationships, reflecting its logical progression from concrete to contextual usage.

Examples
  1. The locality of the ancient ruins attracts many archaeologists.

  2. Crime rates vary depending on the locality.

  3. The software optimizes data access by exploiting locality.

  4. She studied the flora and fauna of the locality.

  5. The new factory will bring jobs to the locality.