Focal is used to describe something that relates to the point where a number of rays or lines meet.
...the focal plane of the telescope.
2. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
Focal is used to describe something that is very important.
...one of the focal centres of the Far East.
focal in British English
(ˈfəʊkəl)
adjective
1.
of or relating to a focus
2.
situated at, passing through, or measured from the focus
Derived forms
focally (ˈfocally)
adverb
focal in American English
(ˈfoʊkəl)
adjective
of or at a focus
Derived forms
focally (ˈfocally)
adverb
Examples of 'focal' in a sentence
focal
More recently they have become the focal point of a migratory pattern of a different kind.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Colour has the power to transform a space into a relaxing haven or a vibrant focal point.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
There is another focal point where the calendar works against England.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The focal point is the cinema screen, which has a liquid fireplace beneath it.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The focal point here is the bed, not the chimney piece.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It's important for the team to have a focal point.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
They deserve a focal point.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Keep in mind your different focal lengths.
Freeman, Michael Photographers Handbook (1993)
The square is a focal point for the protesters calling for full democracy and a constitutional monarchy.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
The colour is a focal point on one wall and adds a bit of personality.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Is there not space to provide a central focal point?
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
He should be one of the focal points of the team not just a sub.
The Sun (2010)
It is obvious why he has become the focal point for those clamouring for a change at the top.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
When it is the focal point of the service, our people know it is important.
Christianity Today (2000)
If you want to branch out from basic hedging and introduce a decorative focal point, topiary offers endless variety in terms of size and shape.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
And with'60s trend rolling into town this season, your lashes will become a focal point.
The Sun (2011)
At the front of the property is the new focal point: a large kitchen with a double-height ceiling and substantial windows.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
As the action began, I used a variety of longer focal lengths to pick out details over the next couple of hours.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
In other languages
focal
British English: focal ADJECTIVE
Focal is used to describe something that relates to the point where a number of rays or lines meet.
...the focal plane of the telescope.
American English: focal
Brazilian Portuguese: focal
Chinese: 焦点的
European Spanish: focal
French: focal
German: im Brennpunkt
Italian: focale
Japanese: 焦点の
Korean: 중심의
European Portuguese: focal
Latin American Spanish: focal
All related terms of 'focal'
focal plane
the plane that is perpendicular to the axis of a lens or mirror and passes through the focal point
focal point
The focal point of something is the thing that people concentrate on or pay most attention to.
focal ratio
the numerical value of the relative aperture . If the relative aperture is f 8, 8 is the f-number and indicates that the focal length of the lens is 8 times the size of the lens aperture
focal length
the distance from the focal point of a lens or mirror to the reflecting surface of the mirror or the centre point of the lens
focal seizure
an epileptic manifestation arising from a localized anomaly in the brain, as a small tumor or scar , and usually involving a single motor or sensory mechanism but occasionally spreading to other areas and causing convulsions and loss of consciousness
focal infection
a bacterial infection limited to a specific part of the body, such as the tonsils or a gland
focal plane shutter
an opaque shield in a camera , lying in the focal plane of the lens , that, when tripped , admits light to expose the film or plate for a predetermined period, usually a fraction of a second
equivalent focal length
the ratio of the size of an image of a small distant object near the optical axis to the angular distance of the object in radians
principal focus
the point on the axis of a lens or mirror to which parallel rays of light converge or from which they appear to diverge after refraction or reflection