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focus
The definition of a focus is the central point of attention.
(noun)An example of focus is a newborn baby in a family.
Focus is defined as to concentrate on something in particular.
Focus is defined as to bring into view.
(verb)- An example of focus is to put all of one's energy into a science project.
- An example of focus is to adjust a microscope to better see a specimen.
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See focus in Webster's New World College Dictionary
- the point where rays of light, heat, etc. or waves of sound come together, or from which they spread or seem to spread; specif., the point where rays of light reflected by a mirror or refracted by a lens meet (called real focus) or the point where they would meet if prolonged backward through the lens or mirror (called virtual focus)
- focal length
- an adjustment of the focal length to make a clear image: to bring a camera into focus
- any center of activity, attention, etc.
- a part of the body where a disease process, as an infection, tumor, etc., is localized or most active
- the starting point of an earthquake
- Math.
- either of the two fixed points used in determining an ellipse
- any analogous point for a parabola or hyperbola
Origin: ModL, adopted in math. senses by Johannes Kepler (1604) < L, fireplace, hearth < ? IE base *bhok-, to flame, burn > ? Arm bo, flame
transitive verb focused or focussed, focusing or focussing
- to bring into focus
- to adjust the focal length of (the eye, a lens, etc.) in order to produce a clear image
- to fix or settle on one thing; concentrate: to focus one's attention on a question
intransitive verb
- to meet at a focus
- to adjust one's eye or a lens so as to make a clear image
- to direct one's thoughts or efforts; concentrate
Related Forms:
- focuser noun
See focus in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun pl. fo·cus·es or fo·ci (-sīˌ, -kīˌ)
- a. A point at which rays of light or other radiation converge or from which they appear to diverge, as after refraction or reflection in an optical system: the focus of a lens. Also called focal point.b. See focal length.
- a. The distinctness or clarity of an image rendered by an optical system.b. The state of maximum distinctness or clarity of such an image: in focus; out of focus.c. An apparatus used to adjust the focal length of an optical system in order to make an image distinct or clear: a camera with automatic focus.
- A center of interest or activity. See Synonyms at center.
- Close or narrow attention; concentration: “He was forever taken aback by [New York's] pervasive atmosphere of purposefulness—the tight focus of its drivers, the brisk intensity of its pedestrians” (Anne Tyler).
- A condition in which something can be clearly apprehended or perceived: couldn't get the problem into focus.
- Pathology The region of a localized bodily infection or disease.
- Geology The point of origin of an earthquake.
- Mathematics A fixed point whose relationship with a directrix determines a conic section.
- To cause (light rays, for example) to converge on or toward a central point; concentrate.
- a. To render (an object or image) in clear outline or sharp detail by adjustment of one's vision or an optical device; bring into focus.b. To adjust (a lens, for example) to produce a clear image.
- To direct toward a particular point or purpose: focused all their attention on finding a solution to the problem.
- To converge on or toward a central point of focus; be focused.
- To adjust one's vision or an optical device so as to render a clear, distinct image.
- To concentrate attention or energy: a campaign that focused on economic issues.
Origin:
Origin: Latin, hearth
.Related Forms:
- foˈcus·er noun
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