loculus

[lok-yuh-luhs]

noun

plural

loculi 

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 Word Forms

• interloculus noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of loculus¹

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