focal point

American  

noun

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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Etymology

Origin of focal point

First recorded in 1705–15

Example Sentences

The white peak of the Chimborazo rhymes with the white of a waterfall in the foreground, which serves as the focal point of the composition.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

Greater bond market volatility could tighten funding markets, which has been a focal point of past financial turmoil.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 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

Ellison said the focal point of the deal was the combination of the two companies’ streaming services, which would create a combined global subscriber base of close to 210 million.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 2, 2026

But of course the faces weren’t the focal point.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides

Related Words

• center of attention
• centerpiece