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Synonyms

focal point

American  

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 British  

noun

  1. Also called: principal focus.   focus.  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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
focal point Scientific  

  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

Etymology

Origin of focal point

First recorded in 1705–15

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Shi's departure after almost a decade removed a toxic focal point for the fans, but angst against Fosun remains.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

AFP journalists saw one of the biggest rallies in the capital in years converge on Plaza de Mayo, the city's traditional focal point and home to the Casa Rosada presidential complex.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

The negotiations remain a focal point for policymakers and economists, setting the benchmark for nonunionized smaller businesses, which employ the vast majority of Japan’s workforce.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

Miami tried to impose its game plan early, with several attacks down the right side of the field, and focused on making Messi the focal point of its attack.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 22, 2026

I was too sleepy to find a distant focal point.

From "Three Little Words: A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.