genius loci

Etymology
, from the singular genitive form of.

Noun

 * 1)  The minor deity or spirit watching over a particular place.
 * 2)  The spirit or atmosphere of a place, especially conceived as a source of artistic inspiration.

Usage notes
In English, genius loci is often italicized as a Latin phrase. It employs the Latin nominative plural but is usually not otherwise grammatically declined. The plural form describes multiple spirits overseeing a single place; the plural form  describes multiple spirits overseeing multiple places; and the latter should not be confused with, which describes a single spirit overseeing multiple places.

Hypernyms

 * See and Thesaurus:spirit

Related terms

 * genius hominis
 * genius familiae

Translations

 * Chinese:
 * Mandarin: 場所精神, 场所精神
 * Japanese: 地霊
 * Polish: duch miejsca