focal point

focal point
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.
[1705-15]

* * *


Universalium. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем сделать НИР

Look at other dictionaries:

  • focal point — n 1.) the person or thing that you pay most attention to focal point of ▪ The swimming pool is the focal point of the hotel. focal point for ▪ The new tax has been the focal point for much discussion. 2.) technical the point at which beams of… …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • focal point — focal points N COUNT The focal point of something is the thing that people concentrate on or pay most attention to. ...the focal point for the town s many visitors the Royal Shakespeare Theatre …   English dictionary

  • focal point — focal ,point noun count usually singular 1. ) the most important, interesting, or attractive part of something, that you concentrate on or pay particular attention to: The focal point of the exhibition is a painting by Rembrandt. 2. ) SCIENCE the …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • focal point — ► NOUN 1) the point at which rays or waves meet after reflection or refraction, or the point from which diverging rays or waves appear to proceed. 2) the centre of interest or activity …   English terms dictionary

  • focal point — n. 1. the point at which light, sound, etc. are focused 2. any center of activity, attention, etc …   English World dictionary

  • focal point — index center (central position), focus, gravamen, highlight Burton s Legal Thesaurus. William C. Burton. 2006 …   Law dictionary

  • focal point — n FOCUS (1a) * * * see focus (def. 1), and cardinal p. (def. 1) …   Medical dictionary

  • Focal point — A focal point may mean: * Focus (optics), the point at which initially collimated rays of light meet after passing through a convex lens, or reflecting off of a concave mirror. * In mathematics: ** Focus (geometry), a special point used in… …   Wikipedia

  • focal point — noun VERB + FOCAL POINT ▪ act as, be, become, form, make sth, provide (sth with), serve as PREPOSITION ▪ focal point  …   Collocations dictionary

  • focal point — UK / US noun [countable, usually singular] Word forms focal point : singular focal point plural focal points 1) the most important, interesting, or attractive part of something, that you concentrate on or pay particular attention to The focal… …   English dictionary

  • Focal Point — Infobox Album Name = Focal Point Type = studio Artist = Shawn McDonald Released = 2002 Recorded = Genre = CCM Length = 69:02 Label = independent Producer = Reviews = Last album = This album = Focal Point (2002) Next album = Simply Nothing (2004)… …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”