loculus

[ lok-yuh-luh s ]

/ ˈlɒk yə ləs /

Biology. locule.

Ecclesiastical. a compartment in an altar, in which relics are kept.

a recess in an ancient catacomb or tomb, where a body or cinerary urn was placed.

Origin of loculus

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

in·ter·loc·u·lus, noun, plural in·ter·loc·u·li.

Near this a whole region of galleries has been brought to light with loculi intact.

Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 5 |Various
Sometimes the loculi were excavated with mathematical precision.

The Catacombs of Rome |William Henry Withrow
The sides of the galleries contain several rows of loculi, sometimes six or eight.

Pagan and Christian Rome |Rodolfo Lanciani
The seeds are immersed in pulp, and are attached irregularly to the wall, base and centre of the loculi.

Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 3 |Various

Three sides of the mighty hall were lined with loculi or niches, each as deep as the length of a man.

Romance Island |Zona Gale