locus classicus

Derived from New Latin, meaning 'classical place,' 'locus classicus' is used to refer to an authoritative source or classic example.

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Definition

C1Literature

(formal, academic)An authoritative passage often cited as a definitive example of a particular concept or idea.

Example

  • Shakespeare's Hamlet is often considered the locus classicus of English drama.
  • The Federalist Papers serve as a locus classicus for understanding the U.S. Constitution.

C2Biology

(technical)The location where a species or taxon was first described.

Example

  • The Galápagos Islands are the locus classicus for several unique species described by Charles Darwin.