Dictionary.com

topos

[ toh-pohs, ‐pos ]
/ ˈtoʊ poʊs, ‐pɒs /
Save This Word!
noun, plural to·poi [toh-poi]. /ˈtoʊ pɔɪ/.
a convention or motif, especially in a literary work; a rhetorical convention.
QUIZ
WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?
Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!
Question 1 of 7
Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.
who
whom
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of topos

First recorded in 1935–40; from Greek (koinós) tópos “(common) place”; see topic
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use topos in a sentence

  • Again, under the seventh head, that of melopoiia or composition, he treats of the 'regions of the voice' (topoi ts phns).

    The Modes of Ancient Greek Music|David Binning Monro

  • The text of this passage is uncertain; but the general character of the topoi or regions of the voice is clearly enough indicated.

    The Modes of Ancient Greek Music|David Binning Monro

British Dictionary definitions for topos

topos
/ (ˈtɒpɒs) /
noun plural -oi (-ɔɪ)
a basic theme or concept, esp a stock topic in rhetoric

Word Origin for topos

C20: Greek, literally: place
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
FEEDBACK