focal point

noun

1. 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.
2. 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.

3. the central or principal point of focus.

focal point

noun

1. Also calledprincipal focusfocus 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

focal point

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of focal point¹

First recorded in 1705–15

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

Related Words

• center of attention
• centerpiece