focal
Americanadjective
adjective
-
of or relating to a focus
-
situated at, passing through, or measured from the focus
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of focal
From the New Latin word focālis, dating back to 1685–95. See focus, -al 1
Vocabulary lists containing focal
Part 3 Vocabulary (Unit 2)
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Vocabulary from Readings, Part 3
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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.
Third, the summit made it clear that Ukraine remains a focal point for all allies.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 9, 2026
So, yeah, we use that as a focal point.”
From Salon • Jun. 25, 2026
"Austin has become a focal point in a global economy."
From BBC • Jun. 18, 2026
This taps into a focal point of the exhibition: adapting it to a West Coast perspective.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026
I was too sleepy to find a distant focal point.
From "Three Little Words: A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
