multifocal

adjective

mul·​ti·​fo·​cal ˌməl-ti-ˈfō-kəl 

: having multiple foci: such as

a

of a disease : arising from or present in more than one location or localized area of the body

multifocal pneumonia with infiltrates throughout both lungs

… Kaposi's sarcoma is "multifocal" with a storm of lesions springing up simultaneously in several spots, in contrast to cancer's single-cell origin.

—Marilyn Chase

b

: having two or more parts that correct vision at different focal distances : having more than one focal length

multifocal eyeglasses

compare bifocal entry 1, trifocal entry 1

Examples of multifocal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Most patients with these advanced technology multifocal lenses are happy with them. —Discover Magazine, 27 Mar. 2024

These lenses are designed to maintain their multifocal behavior even at smaller apertures, which means that people who wear them can enjoy better vision in all lighting conditions. —William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024

The introduction of multifocal electroretinography has further broadened the horizons of this testing method. —William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2024

These measurements involve base curve, diameter, sphere, cylinder, axis and sometimes additional measurements for multifocal lenses. —Nicole F. Roberts, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2023

Other types of cataract surgery lenses that are not covered by Medicare include toric (for astigmatism) and multifocal, which can correct both near and distance vision. —Margie Zable Fisher, Fortune Well, 26 July 2023

For instance, after the beneficial MS drug Tysabri was discovered to cause the rare but serious brain infection with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, a REMS known as the Tysabri Outreach Unified Commitment to Health (TOUCH Prescribing Program) saved it from withdrawal. —Jason Karlawish, STAT, 16 June 2023

What is multifocal pneumonia? —Korin Miller, Health.com, 9 Sep. 2021

Researchers uncovered four gene variants connected with the immune system that significantly increase a person’s risk of developing the disease, known as progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy or PML. —Jonathan Wosen, STAT, 14 Dec. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

multifocal

adjective

mul·​ti·​fo·​cal ˌməl-ti-ˈfō-kəl 

1

: having more than one focal length

multifocal lenses

2

: arising from or occurring in more than one focus or location

multifocal seizures