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focus
3 dictionary results for: focused
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This
fo·cus       [foh-kuhs] Pronunciation Key noun, plural -cus·es, -ci       [-sahy, -kahy] Pronunciation Key, verb, -cused, -cus·ing or (especially British) -cussed, -cus·sing.
–noun
1.a central point, as of attraction, attention, or activity: The need to prevent a nuclear war became the focus of all diplomatic efforts.
2.Physics. a point at which rays of light, heat, or other radiation, meet after being refracted or reflected.
3.Optics.
a.the focal point of a lens.
b.the focal length of a lens.
c.the clear and sharply defined condition of an image.
d.the position of a viewed object or the adjustment of an optical device necessary to produce a clear image: in focus; out of focus.
4.Geometry. (of a conic section) a point having the property that the distances from any point on a curve to it and to a fixed line have a constant ratio for all points on the curve.
5.Geology. the point of origin of an earthquake.
6.Pathology. the primary center from which a disease develops or in which it localizes.
–verb (used with object)
7.to bring to a focus or into focus: to focus the lens of a camera.
8.to concentrate: to focus one's thoughts.
–verb (used without object)
9.to become focused.
[Origin: 1635–45; < L: fireplace, hearth]

—Related forms
fo·cus·a·ble, adjective
fo·cus·er, noun

—Synonyms 1. center, heart, core, nucleus.
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.
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American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
fo·cus       (fō'kəs)  Pronunciation Key 
n.   pl. fo·cus·es or fo·ci (-sī', -kī')
    1. A point at which rays of light or other radiation converge or from which they appear to diverge, as after refraction or reflection in an optical system: the focus of a lens. Also called focal point.
    2. See focal length.
    3. The distinctness or clarity of an image rendered by an optical system.
    4. The state of maximum distinctness or clarity of such an image: in focus; out of focus.
    5. An apparatus used to adjust the focal length of an optical system in order to make an image distinct or clear: a camera with automatic focus.
    1. The distinctness or clarity of an image rendered by an optical system.
    2. The state of maximum distinctness or clarity of such an image: in focus; out of focus.
    3. An apparatus used to adjust the focal length of an optical system in order to make an image distinct or clear: a camera with automatic focus.
  3. A center of interest or activity. See Synonyms at center.
  4. Close or narrow attention; concentration: "He was forever taken aback by [New York's] pervasive atmosphere of purposefulness—the tight focus of its drivers, the brisk intensity of its pedestrians" (Anne Tyler).
  5. A condition in which something can be clearly apprehended or perceived: couldn't get the problem into focus.
  6. Pathology The region of a localized bodily infection or disease.
  7. Geology The point of origin of an earthquake.
  8. Mathematics A fixed point whose relationship with a directrix determines a conic section.

v.   fo·cused or fo·cussed, fo·cus·ing or fo·cus·sing, fo·cus·es or fo·cus·ses

v.   tr.
  1. To cause (light rays, for example) to converge on or toward a central point; concentrate.
    1. To render (an object or image) in clear outline or sharp detail by adjustment of one's vision or an optical device; bring into focus.
    2. To adjust (a lens, for example) to produce a clear image.
  3. To direct toward a particular point or purpose: focused all their attention on finding a solution to the problem.

v.   intr.
  1. To converge on or toward a central point of focus; be focused.
  2. To adjust one's vision or an optical device so as to render a clear, distinct image.
  3. To concentrate attention or energy: a campaign that focused on economic issues.


[Latin, hearth.]

fo'cus·er n.
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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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WordNet - Cite This Source - Share This
focused

adjective
1. being in focus or brought into focus [ant: unfocused] 
2. (of light rays) converging on a point; "focused light rays can set something afire" 
3. of an optical system (e.g. eye or opera glasses) adjusted to produce a clear image 

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.
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