Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

focal

American  
[foh-kuhl] / ˈfoʊ kəl /

adjective

  1. of or relating to a focus.


focal British  
/ ˈfəʊkəl /

adjective

  1. of or relating to a focus

  2. situated at, passing through, or measured from the focus

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • focally adverb

Etymology

Origin of focal

From the New Latin word focālis, dating back to 1685–95. See focus, -al 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Long a community focal point, the five-acre park is set to undergo a redesign thanks to a $5-million donation from the Walt Disney Co., and a $5.5-million outlay from California State Parks.

From Los Angeles Times

These effects can shift steering angles, move focal points, and reduce spatial accuracy.

From Science Daily

One of the focal points in Freeside is the Atomic Wrangler, a multi-story casino and bar with lodging that was featured in “Fallout: New Vegas.”

From Los Angeles Times

“The main house unfolds around a central landscaped courtyard, a lovely focal point that brings light and flow to the interiors,” the description goes on.

From MarketWatch

Protest action was more subdued Friday with some 20 people gathering at a federal facility that has become a focal point of anti-ICE demonstrations.

From Barron's