principal point

American  

noun

Optics.

1. the point where a principal plane intersects the axis.

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Etymology

Origin of principal point

First recorded in 1695–1705

Example Sentences

His principal point is that the power of the real-estate state flows from the dynamic between development and the profession of city planning.

From The New Yorker

The principal point of the earlier film was that a specialist, Adam C. Winfield, who received a three-year sentence after pleading guilty to manslaughter deserved more lenient treatment because he had tried to blow the whistle on his fellow soldiers.

From New York Times

The NHL’s Department of Player Safety on Sunday suspended Karlsson two games for an illegal hit to the head that it deemed avoidable and said while Karlsson also hit Wagner’s shoulder, the principal point of contact was Wagner’s head.

From Los Angeles Times

Karlsson struck Wagner’s shoulder and head, and if the NHL determines the head was the principal point of contact it can fine or suspend Karlsson.

From Los Angeles Times

Starr takes us on a tour of Whitewater, and though it once was the principal point of his inquiry, it now is largely beside the point.

From Washington Post