focus
/ˈfoʊ̯.kəs/ noun B2- A point at which reflected or refracted rays of light converge. · The heat of sunlight at the focus of a magnifying glass can easily set dry leaves on fire.
- A point of a conic at which rays reflected from a curve or surface converge.
- The fact of the convergence of light on the photographic medium. · Unfortunately, the license plate is out of focus in this image.
- The quality of the convergence of light on the photographic medium. · During this scene, the boy’s face shifts subtly from soft focus into sharp focus.
- Concentration of attention.
- Something to which activity, attention or interest is primarily directed. · My studies are my main focus right now.
- The exact point of where an earthquake occurs, in three dimensions (underneath the epicentre). · The earthquake's focus was at exactly 37 degrees north, 18 degrees south, seventy five meters below the ground.
- The status of being the currently active element in a user interface, often indicated by a visual highlight. · Text entered at the keyboard or pasted from a clipboard is sent to the component which currently has the focus.
Plural foci
From the library
As I focus my mind upon it, it seems rather less impenetrable.
Philosophers may well say, and practical men will always support the opinion, that money mitigates many trials; and if you admit the efficacy of this sovereign balm, you ought to be very easily consoled—you, the king of finance, the focus of immeasurable power.”
Captivity has brought my mental faculties to a focus; and you are well aware that from the collision of clouds electricity is produced—from electricity, lightning, from lightning, illumination.”
We will suppose that a minister needs information as to a point which involves the Navy, India, Canada and the bimetallic question; he could get his separate advices from various departments upon each, but only Mycroft can focus them all, and say offhand how each factor would affect the other.
Other matches
Learn focus in real texts
With a free account, hover any word in the library for its meaning, hear it read aloud, save words for review timed to your memory, and see how much of each book you already know.