Dictionary Thesaurus Word Dynamo Quotes Reference Translator Spanish

focal point

noun

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.

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.

the central or principal point of focus.

FocalPoint 2 $76.95 www.creationengine.com/ Academic Discount Price for Teachers and Students!

Origin:
1705–15

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
Cite This Source

Link To focal point

00:10

00:09

00:08

00:07

00:06

00:05

00:04

00:03

00:02

00:01

Focal point is always a great word to know.

So is ort. Does it mean:

a scrap or morsel of food left at a meal.

the offspring of a zebra and a donkey.

LEARN MORE UNUSUAL WORDS WITH WORD DYNAMO...

Collins

World English Dictionary

focal point

—n
1.	principal focus, Also called: 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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source

American Heritage

Medical Dictionary

focal point n.
See focus.

American Heritage

Science Dictionary

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

Word Dynamo Rating For Focal point

People who can define Focal point may know 45,520 words, as many as a 12th grader.

How many words do you know?

Upgrade to Ad-free Premium Membership!

Matching Quote

"I spoke at a woman's club in Philadelphia yesterday and a young lady said to me afterwards, "Well, that sounds very nice, but don't you think it is better to be the power behind the throne?" I answered that I had not had much experience with thrones, but a woman who has been on a throne, and who is now behind it, seems to prefer to be on the throne."

-Anna Howard Shaw

Partners:Word Bloglines Citysearch The Daily Beast Ask Answers Ask Kids Life123 Sendori Thesaurus

About Privacy Policy Terms of Use API Careers Advertise with Us Contact Us Help