locus
UK: ˈləʊkəs | US: ˈloʊkəs
n. a particular position, point, or place
n. (mathematics) the set of all points satisfying a given condition
n. (biology) the specific location of a gene on a chromosome
locus = loc<place> + us<noun suffix>
- loc (from Latin locus, meaning "place, position")
- us (Latin noun suffix indicating a singular form)
Etymology Origin:
The word locus originates directly from Latin, where it meant "place" or "position." It retained its core meaning in English, expanding into specialized contexts like mathematics (describing geometric sets) and genetics (gene locations). The simplicity of its structure—root + suffix—reflects its classical roots, making it a precise term in technical fields.
The locus of the earthquake's epicenter was pinpointed using seismic data.
In geometry, a circle is the locus of points equidistant from a center.
The gene's locus on the chromosome was identified through genetic mapping.
The debate focused on the locus of power in the organization.
Ancient texts often describe Delphi as the locus of divine prophecy.