focal point

American  

noun

focal points plural

1. Also called principal focus.  Optics. either of two points on the axis of a mirror, lens, or other optical system, one point being such that rays diverging from it are deviated parallel to the axis upon refraction or reflection by the system and the other point being such that rays parallel to the axis of the system converge to the point upon refraction or reflection by the system.

2. the point at which all elements or aspects converge; center of activity or attention.

   The focal point of our discussion was the need for action.

3. the central or principal point of focus.

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focal point British  

noun

1. Also called: principal focus.   focus.  the point on the axis of a lens or mirror to which parallel rays of light converge or from which they appear to diverge after refraction or reflection

2. a central point of attention or interest

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focal point Scientific  

1. The point at which all radiation coming from a single direction and passing through a lens or striking a mirror converges.

2. Also called focus

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• focal points
  plural

Etymology

Origin of focal point

First recorded in 1705–15

Example Sentences

We move up towards the two streets of terraced houses which have become the focal point of the disorder.

From BBC • Jun. 12, 2026

This taps into a focal point of the exhibition: adapting it to a West Coast perspective.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

The annual recurring revenue was the focal point for Wall Street.

From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026

That’s rightly going to be the focal point of Talarico’s campaign.

From Slate • May 30, 2026

I was too sleepy to find a distant focal point.

From "Three Little Words: A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter

Related Words

• center of attention
• centerpiece