multifocal

[ muhl-tee-foh-kuhl, muhl-tahy- ]

adjective

1. having several focuses.
2. (of an eyeglass lens) having several focusing areas that correct for both nearsightedness and farsightedness.

Word History and Origins

Origin of multifocal¹

First recorded in 1915–20; multi- + focal

Example Sentences

"It would streamline the design and function of these systems while also offering a way to accomplish imaging at various depths without additional optical elements. These capabilities, coupled with the lens's multifocal properties, offer a powerful tool for depth perception in advanced imaging applications"

From Science Daily

"Despite chemotherapy, his neuroendocrine prostate cancer progressed resulting in multifocal brain metastases and a likely paraneoplastic ascending paralysis leading to his death."

From BBC

For example, doctors can use lasers instead of cutting eye lenses manually, offer multifocal eye lenses that can eliminate the need for glasses, or recommend the astigmatism fix that Green said she was sold.

From Salon

People who wear multifocal glasses or contacts are even likelier to struggle.

From Seattle Times

“Multifocal lenses are not for everyone and I suspect no more than 10 percent of people actually have one implanted.”

From Washington Post