focal point
Americannoun
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focal points
plural
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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.
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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.
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the central or principal point of focus.
noun
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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
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a central point of attention or interest
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The point at which all radiation coming from a single direction and passing through a lens or striking a mirror converges.
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Also called focus
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of focal point
First recorded in 1705–15
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.
The central Iranian city, known for its blue-tiled Islamic architecture, has emerged as a focal point of the continuing judicial crackdown.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 19, 2026
"This has really been the focal point of the British Bangladeshi community," local councillor Faysal Ahmed told AFP, recalling a time when his parents ran a restaurant beneath his childhood home in the Lane.
From Barron's ● Sep. 8, 2026
These giant computer campuses, which are mostly void of human beings, have become a focal point of the growing revolt against an increasingly predatory tech industry.
From Salon ● Sep. 2, 2026
Kai Havertz: It was a quiet night for Havertz but the forward still provided a focal point and held the ball up.
From BBC ● Aug. 31, 2026
I could see that the low riser was going to be the focal point of the ceremonies.
From "Tangerine" by Edward Bloor
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.
