loculus

[ lok-yuh-luhs ]

noun

, plural loc·u·li [lok, -y, uh, -lahy, -lee].

1. Biology. locule.
2. Ecclesiastical. a compartment in an altar, in which relics are kept.
3. a recess in an ancient catacomb or tomb, where a body or cinerary urn was placed.

Other Words From

• inter·locu·lus noun plural interloculi

Word History and Origins

Origin of loculus¹

1855–60; < New Latin, special use of Latin loculus, diminutive of locus place; locus, -ule

Example Sentences

Interment in the wall-recess or loculus, though infinitely the most common, was not the only mode employed in the catacombs.

From Project Gutenberg

Unilocular, ū-ni-lok′ū-lar, adj. having but one loculus or cavity, as the heart of an amphioxus.

From Project Gutenberg

And the loculus was placed in the shrine, and the shrine for the present closed.

From Project Gutenberg

The body was then lifted to its place in the shrine, and the panels of the loculus refixed.

From Project Gutenberg

The picture we are about to examine is found over a loculus or grave in this cemetery of Priscilla.

From Project Gutenberg