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fo·cus
[foh-kuhs] noun, plural fo·cus·es, fo·ci [-sahy, -kahy] , verb, fo·cused, fo·cus·ing or (especially British) fo·cussed, fo·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.
EXPANDGeology. the point of origin of an earthquake.
6.
COLLAPSEPathology. 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.
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Focusing
is always a great word to know.
So is callithumpian. Does it mean:
| a gadget; dingus; thingumbob. |
| a children's mummer's parade, as on the Fourth of July, with prizes for the best costumes. |
verb (used without object)
9.
to become focused.
Origin:
1635–45; < Latin: fireplace, hearth
1635–45; < Latin: fireplace, hearth
Related forms
fo·cus·a·ble, adjective
fo·cus·er, noun
mis·fo·cus, verb, mis·fo·cused, mis·fo·cus·ing or (especially British) mis·fo·cussed, mis·fo·cus·sing.
mis·fo·cused, adjective
mis·fo·cussed, adjective
EXPANDo·ver·fo·cus, verb (used with object), o·ver·fo·cused, o·ver·fo·cus·ing or (especially British) o·ver·fo·cussed, o·ver·fo·cus·sing.
re·fo·cus, verb, re·fo·cused, re·fo·cus·ing or (especially British) re·fo·cussed, re·fo·cus·sing.
self-fo·cused, adjective
self-fo·cus·ing, adjective
self-fo·cussed, adjective
self-fo·cus·sing, adjective
un·fo·cus·ing, adjective
un·fo·cus·sing, adjective
well-fo·cused, adjective
well-fo·cussed, adjective
COLLAPSESynonyms
1. center, heart, core, nucleus.
1. center, heart, core, nucleus.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
Cite This Source
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Link To focusing
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia
focusing
ability of the lens to alter its shape to allow objects to be seen clearly.
Learn more about focusing with a free trial on Britannica.com.
Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008. Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
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