locus classicus

[ loh-koos klahs-si-koos; English loh-kuhs klas-i-kuhs ]

noun

, Latin.

, plural lo·ci clas·si·ci [loh, -kee , klahs, -si-kee, loh, -sahy , klas, -, uh, -sahy, loh, -kahy , klas, -i-kahy].

1. classical source: a passage commonly cited to illustrate or explain a subject or word.

locus classicus

/ ˈklæsɪkəs /

noun

1. an authoritative and often quoted passage from a standard work

Word History and Origins

Origin of locus classicus¹

Latin: classical place

Example Sentences

Samuel R. Delany’s “Dhalgren” is perhaps the most famous recent example, but the locus classicus remains David Lindsay’s “A Voyage to Arcturus.”

From Washington Post

In 2003, as an actual politician, Johnson disavowed this insight into his behavior as a young man: “I think my essay remains the locus classicus of the English genre of bogus self-deprecation.”

From The New Yorker

This “bad mother,” “oversharenting” rendition of the mommy blog is one of the most popular, the locus classicus of the genre.

From Time

He supported the auto bailout, the locus classicus of unwarranted state interference in private markets.

From BusinessWeek

But Schubert's might-have-been was written in the shadow of Mozart's six movement Divertimento in E flat, K563, the locus classicus of the string trio repertoire and the work with which, inevitably, the Leopolds bowed out.

From The Guardian