bifocal

[ bahy-foh-kuhl, bahy-foh- ]

adjective

1. Chiefly Optics. having two foci.
2. (of an eyeglass or contact lens) having two portions, one for near and one for far vision.

noun

1. bifocals, bifocal eyeglasses or contact lenses.

bifocal

/ baɪˈfəʊkəl /

adjective

1. optics having two different focuses
2. relating to a compound lens permitting near and distant vision

Word History and Origins

Origin of bifocal¹

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90; bi- ¹ + focal

Example Sentences

Ms. Rosenberg is easily identifiable thanks to a binocular contraption she straps around her head, which is attached to bifocal lenses that allow her to quickly turn between the judge’s magnified expression and her sketches.

From New York Times

To train a bifocal vision on both the thing and its shadow is an act of respect that begins to undo fear of the unknown.

From Washington Post

Then I swept the front porch, lugged waterproof throw pillows from the basement and located my bifocal sunglasses.

From New York Times

Researchers randomly assigned 294 myopic children, average age 10, to one of three groups: the first wore high-power bifocal contact lenses, the second medium-power bifocal lenses and the third regular single-vision contacts.

From New York Times

It’s meant for the bifocal vision that only comes with age.

From New York Times

Related Words

• glass