focal

adjective

fo·​cal ˈfō-kəl How to pronounce focal (audio)
: of, relating to, being, or having a focus
focally adverb

Examples of focal in a Sentence

a focal figure in the movement
Recent Examples on the Web The focus on the legitimacy of documents and electronic records central to Wright's case has become a focal issue. Susie Violet Ward, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 The twins were part of a focal moment in the season 13 premiere of the reality series, where family time at the beach turned into a serious conversation about Beauvais' relationship with them as a parent. Angela Andaloro, Peoplemag, 27 Dec. 2023 His strategic leadership has been focal in expanding Profound's therapeutic area expansion and driving revenue growth. Aaron Mabry, Sacramento Bee, 8 Feb. 2024 This educational series delves into various management strategies, including active surveillance for low-risk cases, surgical intervention through prostatectomy, radiation therapy, and the emerging approach of focal therapy. David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Jan. 2024 Treatment of focal hyperhidrosis can make a big difference in quality of life. Cathy Cassata, Health, 29 July 2023 Though the saltwater intrusion threat has passed, access to clean, freshwater remains a critical and focal issue of daily life in New Orleans and much needs to be done by way of funding to protect residents safety and health. Essence, 10 Nov. 2023 Dine had been diagnosed with a type of kidney disease called focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, or FSGS, in 1984. Courtland Milloy, Washington Post, 17 Oct. 2023 My life has so many different moving parts, but my kids are the center focal piece, and everything else shifts around them. Ariana Quihuiz, Peoplemag, 20 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'focal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1676, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of focal was in 1676

Dictionary Entries Near focal

Cite this Entry

“Focal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/focal. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

focal

adjective
fo·​cal ˈfō-kəl How to pronounce focal (audio)
: of, relating to, or having a focus
focally adverb

Medical Definition

focal

adjective
fo·​cal ˈfō-kəl How to pronounce focal (audio)
: of, relating to, being, or having a focus
focally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on focal

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