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topos

noun
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to·​pos | \ ˈtō-ˌpäs How to pronounce topos (audio) , ˈtä- \
plural topoi\ ˈtō-​ˌpȯi How to pronounce topos (audio) , ˈtä-​ \

Definition of topos

: a traditional or conventional literary or rhetorical theme or topic

Examples of topos in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This inward pull relates to her sense of memory and place: all topics are topos, terrain, their meanings leaved in geologic strata. — Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'topos.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of topos

1936, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for topos

Greek, short for koinos topos, literally, common place

Learn More About topos

Dictionary Entries Near topos

toponymy

topos

topotaxis

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Cite this Entry

“Topos.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/topos. Accessed 20 May. 2022.

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More from Merriam-Webster on topos

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about topos

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