circle of confusion

noun

, Photography.

1. a circular spot on a film, resulting from the degree to which a pencil of light reflected from the field of view is focused in front of or behind the film, or from aberration of the lens, or from both.

Word History and Origins

Origin of circle of confusion¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

Just to complete the circle of confusion Wigdor has been involved in several lawsuits against Fox News, where Benson is a regular contributor.

From Salon

Just to complete the circle of confusion Wigdor has been involved in several lawsuits against Fox News, where Benson is a regular contributor.

From Salon

If there are errors in constructing them, he says, “you’re gonna have a circle of confusion.”

From New York Times

That circle of confusion makes theft easy.

From Seattle Times

It was a perfect circle of confusion — one that makes it easy for someone to simply steal items.

From Seattle Times