focal

[ foh-kuhl ]

adjective

1. of or relating to a focus.

focal

/ ˈfəʊkəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to a focus
2. situated at, passing through, or measured from the focus

Derived Forms

• ˈfocally, adverb

Other Words From

• focal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of focal¹

From the New Latin word focālis, dating back to 1685–95. See focus, -al ¹

Example Sentences

The Department of Education has long been a focal point for Trump’s war on “wokeness,” the president-elect and his allies depicting schools as a political battleground hijacked by the left.

From Salon

Some of his proposals specifically target gender-affirming care for youth, which has been a focal point for groups that contend it harms children who don’t understand the implications of such treatment.

From Los Angeles Times

For all of those present, the royals, the veterans, the political leaders, the crowds, the focal point for Remembrance is the Cenotaph, the memorial standing in the middle of Whitehall.

From BBC

“In Los Angeles County, we have over 140 of them, so you’re not that far away from one of them,” says Trejo, who calls senior centers a “focal point” of the communities they serve.

From Los Angeles Times

From the mountains of western North Carolina, to UNC in Chapel Hill over 200 miles away, immigration was a major focal point for many voters in the state - a good sign for Republicans.

From BBC