1
a
: a center of activity, attraction, or attention
the focus of the meeting was drug abuse
put immigration into focus as a hot topic for commentators
b
: a point of concentration
2
: directed attention : emphasis
The focus is on helping the homeless.
3
a
: direction sense 6c
the team lost focus
b
: a state or condition permitting clear perception or understanding
tried to bring the issues into focus
c
: adjustment for distinct vision
also
: the area that may be seen distinctly or resolved into a clear image
d
4
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 (see convergence sense 1) of a beam of particles (such as electrons)
5
: one of the fixed points that with the corresponding directrix defines a conic section
6
: a localized area of disease or the chief site of a generalized disease or infection
7
: the place of origin of an earthquake or moonquake
focused also focussed; focusing also focussing
1
: to cause to be concentrated
focused their attention on the most urgent problems
2
a
: to adjust the focus of (the eye, a lens, etc.)
focus the telescope
b
: to bring into focus
The results of that research were focused for classroom presentation.
3
: to bring (something, such as light rays) to a focus : concentrate
1
: to concentrate attention or effort
focus on the most pressing needs
2
: to adjust one's eye or a camera to a particular range
Newborn babies cannot focus for several months.
3
: to come to a focus : converge
focuser
noun
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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