What does "focal" mean?
One of two lines perpendicular to the axis of a cone such that the cosine of the angle between the line and the axis is equal to the ratio of the cosines o the semiangles of the cone.
Focal
/ˈfəʊ.kl̩/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: One of two lines perpendicular to the axis of a cone such that the cosine of the angle between the line and the axis is equal to the ratio of the cosines o the semiangles of the cone.
- Grammar: focal is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: approaching, arch, asymptotic, banner.
- Useful contrasts: constitutional provisions, defocused, generalized.
- Usage evidence: The focal point of the magnifying glass was only two inches from the object.
How to use "focal"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "focal" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "focal" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "focal" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "focal" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "focal" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "approaching" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "focal", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 One of two lines perpendicular to the axis of a cone such that the cosine of the angle between the line and the axis is equal to the ratio of the cosines o the semiangles of the cone. obsolete
"Again, if the plane of the impressed couple intersects the mean plane between N and C, it will envelope the cone whose focals are ON, ON′, and whose internal axis is therefore OA."
- 2 An object that is used to focus concentration when performing magic.
"Choose your focals to blend well with the intention of your magical work or ritual."
- 3 The individual who is the focus of a study or review, when the study or review is based on that individual's interactions with others.
"As predicted, focals who were paired with peers produced significantly higher levels of reasoning at posttest ( M = 35.34, SD = 4.44 ) than did focals paired with adults."
- 4 A representative of a group or class of people within an organizational system.
"Attempting to balance priorities across the exploration, science, and aeronautics programs requires constant and complex negotiations betwen the center focals, the projects they represent, and Langley's engineering directorates."
- 5 A sign or similar type of marketing material designed to draw attention to special deals.
"Gesturing at the cleanliness of the design, Medill says, “Originally we had 'focals,'“—signs that call out special offers—“but they blocked eyeballs.”"
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 The central or most important element of something; a focal element.
"We become "native speakers," but variably with respect to numerous valued/powered criteria of truth/goodness/beauty (focals) and their derivative values which "leave" "some” more valuable ( as speakers ) than others."
- 7 A major point of interest; an attraction.
"In the Visual Survey Analysis Report, focals are divided into four categories; visual, historical, symbolic, and cultural focals. Focals might correspond to the Kevin Lynch definition of landmarks."
- 8 An exemplar of a concept.
"So informants, like languages, show a stable, agreed upon placement of focals, but considerable variability in the boundaries for the extensions of terms."
Adjective
- 1 Belonging to, concerning, or located at a focus. not-comparable
- 2 Limited to a small area. not-comparable
Adjective
- 1 having or localized centrally at a focus wordnet
- 2 of or relating to a focus wordnet
Antonyms
Example
"The focal point of the magnifying glass was only two inches from the object."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "focal"?
Common synonyms include: approaching, arch, asymptotic, banner, basic, bedrock.
How do you use "focal" in a sentence?
The focal point of the magnifying glass was only two inches from the object.
How do you pronounce "focal"?
Pronounced /ˈfəʊ.kl̩/.
Etymology
Learned borrowing from New Latin focālis. By surface analysis, focus + -al.