genius loci

[gen-i-oos loh-kee, jee-nee-uhs loh-sahy, -kahy]

noun

Latin.

1. the guardian spirit of a place.

2. the distinctive character or atmosphere of a place with reference to the impression that it makes on the mind.

genius loci

/ ˈdʒiːnɪəs ˈləʊsaɪ /

noun

1. the guardian spirit of a place

2. the special atmosphere of a particular place

Word History and Origins

Origin of genius loci¹

genius of the place