Added 10 October 2026
excursus
/ɛkˈskɝsəs/ noun
Latin root: excursus Wiktionary
noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about excursus at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
- A fuller discussion (usually in a separate section at the end of a chapter or book) of a particular part of the text of a work, especially a bible commentary or classical Greek or Latin text.
- An act of departing from the main narrative in speech or writing to discuss an incidental issue; a digression.
- Chiefly followed by into or to. A brief journey or trip, especially one out of the usual way; an excursion. A brief instance of trying out a new activity, etc.
Origin
Learned borrowing from Latin excursus (“excursion”). Doublet of excurse.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)