local

local [lō′kəl]

adj.

[ME locall < OFr local < LL localis < L locus, a place < IE * stlokos < base * stel-, to set up, stand, location > STALK¹, STALL¹, STILL¹, Gr stellein, to put]

1. relating to place

2. of, characteristic of, or confined to a particular place or district [items of local interest]

3. not broad; restricted; narrow [local outlook]

4. of or for a particular part or specific area of the body; not general

☆ 5. making all stops along its run [a local bus]

6. Chiefly Brit. of or relating to specific portions or details of a literary text, as distinguished from its overall structure, themes, style, etc.

n.

☆ 1. a local train, bus, etc.

☆ 2. a newspaper item of local interest only

☆ 3. a chapter or branch of a labor union

4. Informal a resident of a particular place [they tried to convince the locals]

5. [Brit. Informal] a neighborhood pub

6. an anesthetic that numbs only a small area of the body, allowing the patient to remain conscious during minor surgery, a biopsy, etc.: cf. GENERAL (n. 5): in full local anesthetic