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.