focal
Americanadjective
adjective
-
of or relating to a focus
-
situated at, passing through, or measured from the focus
Other Word Forms
- focally adverb
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.
A winter storm that led to thousands of flight cancellations, as well as the partial government shutdown, which led to long lines at airports, could also be focal points for Delta’s call.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 5, 2026
The key question is how much this has damaged the Gulf's reputation as a focal point for global aviation – and whether its model has suffered lasting damage.
From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026
The negotiations remain a focal point for policymakers and economists, setting the benchmark for nonunionized smaller businesses, which employ the vast majority of Japan’s workforce.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026
Miami tried to impose its game plan early, with several attacks down the right side of the field, and focused on making Messi the focal point of its attack.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 22, 2026
With telescopic sights, a fine hair in the focal plane of the telescope provides a far more accurate guide to the precise alignment of a star.
From "The Scientists" by John Gribbin
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.
