focus

¹fo·cus

noun \ˈfō-kəs\

plural fo·ci\ˈfō-ˌsī also -ˌkī\ also fo·cus·es

Definition of FOCUS

1

a : a point at which rays (as of light, heat, or sound) converge or from which they diverge or appear to diverge; specifically : the point where the geometrical lines or their prolongations conforming to the rays diverging from or converging toward another point intersect and give rise to an image after reflection by a mirror or refraction by a lens or optical system b : a point of convergence of a beam of particles (as electrons)

2

a : focal length b : adjustment for distinct vision; also : the area that may be seen distinctly or resolved into a clear image c : a state or condition permitting clear perception or understanding <tried to bring the issues into focus> d : direction 6c <the team lost focus>

3

: one of the fixed points that with the corresponding directrix defines a conic section

4

: a localized area of disease or the chief site of a generalized disease or infection

5

a : a center of activity, attraction, or attention <the focus of the meeting was drug abuse> b : a point of concentration

6

: the place of origin of an earthquake or moonquake

7

: directed attention : emphasis

— fo·cus·less \-ləs\ adjective

— in focus

: having or giving the proper sharpness of outline due to good focusing

— out of focus

: not in focus

Examples of FOCUS

1. He's successful, but he feels that his life lacks focus.
2. His life lacks a focus.

Origin of FOCUS

New Latin, from Latin, hearth

First Known Use: 1644

Related to FOCUS

Synonyms: axis, base, capital, central, core, cynosure, epicenter, eye, center, ground zero, heart, hub, locus, mecca, navel, nerve center, nexus, nucleus, omphalos, seat

Related Words: headquarters; happy hunting ground, hive, hotbed, hot spot, playground, playland; kernel, nub, pith; deep, thick; essence, quintessence, soul; attraction, lodestone (also loadstone), magnet, polestar

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Other Pictures (on film) Terms

daguerreotype, emulsion, fill, sepia, still, stop

Rhymes with FOCUS

crocus, hocus, locus