locus

/ˈloʊkəs/

/ˈlʌʊkəs/

Other forms: loci

The center or source of something is known as the locus. A shopping mall is usually a locus for teenagers.

In addition to being a hub or hotspot, locus has specific meanings when used in math or science. In math, a locus is when a set of points all meet at a designated location: a circle is the locus of points equal in length from one given point. In genetics, the locus is the location of a certain gene on a chromosome. A locus is where things are happening. Washington, D.C. is the locus for politics in the U.S.

Definitions of locus

1. noun

   the scene of any event or action (especially the place of a meeting)
   synonyms: locale, venue

   type of:

   scene

   the place where some action occurs
2. noun

   the set of all points or lines that satisfy or are determined by specific conditions
   “the locus of points equidistant from a given point is a circle”

   type of:

   set

   (mathematics) an abstract collection of numbers or symbols
3. noun

   the specific site of a particular gene on its chromosome
   type of:

   site, situation

   physical position in relation to the surroundings