What is the meaning of the Sankrit word, Loka?  What is the origin?

Dear simontempler,

The Sanskrit word "loka" means "World", "habitat", "realm", or "plane
of existence"; in the broader philosophical sense a dimension of
manifest existence or cosmic region. It derives from "loc", which
means "to shine, be bright, visible."

In Hinduist philosophy, the cosmos is subdivided into several "lokas",
each being another plane of existence.

If you are interested in finding out more about the concept of "lokas"
in Hinduist philosophy, please have a look at these websites:

Vedic Astrology: The Hindu View of Death, by Sivaya Subramuniyaswami
http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/skinbags/id59.htm

Himalayan Academy Publications: Hinduism's Online Lexicon - L
http://www.himalayanacademy.com/books/dws/lexicon/l.html

Hinduism Today, January 1998: Seekers Wordbook
http://www.hinduismtoday.com/1998/1/1998-1-13.html

Search terms used:
loka sanskrit
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loka sanskrit loc
://www.google.de/search?q=loka+sanskrit+loc&hl=de&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&newwindow=1&start=0&sa=N
loka sanskrit world realm
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loka hinduism "three lokas"
://www.google.de/search?q=loka+hinduism+%22three+lokas%22&hl=de&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&newwindow=1&start=10&sa=N

Hope this answers your question!
Best regards,
Scriptor

Thanks -- this is very helpful!