locus classicus

noun

locus clas·​si·​cus -ˈkla-si-kəs How to pronounce locus classicus (audio)
plural loci classici -ˈkla-sə-ˌsī How to pronounce locus classicus (audio)
-ˌkī,
-ˌkē
1
: a passage that has become a standard for the elucidation of a word or subject
2
: a classic case or example

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of locus classicus was in 1657

Dictionary Entries Near locus classicus

Cite this Entry

“Locus classicus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/locus%20classicus. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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