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fo·cus(fks)
n.pl.fo·cus·es or fo·ci(-s, -k)
1.
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.
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.
3. A center of interest or activity. See Synonyms at center.
4. Close or narrow attention; concentration: "He was forever taken aback by [New York's] pervasive atmosphere of purposefulnessthe tight focus of its drivers, the brisk intensity of its pedestrians"(Anne Tyler).
5. A condition in which something can be clearly apprehended or perceived: couldn't get the problem into focus.
6. Pathology The region of a localized bodily infection or disease.
7. Geology The point of origin of an earthquake.
8. Mathematics A fixed point whose relationship with a directrix determines a conic section.
v.fo·cused or fo·cussed, fo·cus·ing or fo·cus·sing, fo·cus·es or fo·cus·ses
v.tr.
1. To cause (light rays, for example) to converge on or toward a central point; concentrate.
2.
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.
3. To direct toward a particular point or purpose: focused all their attention on finding a solution to the problem.
v.intr.
1. To converge on or toward a central point of focus; be focused.
2. To adjust one's vision or an optical device so as to render a clear, distinct image.
3. To concentrate attention or energy: a campaign that focused on economic issues.
1.
(Physics / General Physics) a point of convergence of light or other
electromagnetic radiation, particles, sound waves, etc., or a point from
which they appear to diverge
3. (Physics / General Physics) Optics the state of an optical image when it is distinct and clearly defined or the state of an instrument producing this image the picture is in focusthe telescope is out of focus
4. a point upon which attention, activity, etc., is directed or concentrated
5. (Mathematics) Geometry a fixed reference point on the concave side of a conic section, used when defining its eccentricity
6.
(Earth Sciences / Geological Science) the point beneath the earth's
surface at which an earthquake or underground nuclear explosion
originates Compare epicentre
7. (Medicine / Pathology) Pathol the main site of an infection or a localized region of diseased tissue
draw a bead on
To aim at carefully, to line up in the sight of one’s gun; to zero in
on a person or thing. The reference is to the bead or front sight of a
rifle. George Catlin used the expression literally in his treatise on
North American Indians (1833).
zero in on To focus one’s
attention on a specific person, proposal, issue, or other matter; to aim
at; to set one’s sights on. Originally, zero in referred to
adjusting the sights of a gun to the zero or horizontal line so that
when aimed and fired at a target, the projectile will hit it dead
center. Though this meaning persists, the expression has been extended
to include figurative application in various nonballistic contexts as
evidenced in this example by J. N. Leonard cited in Webster’s Third:
emphasis, accent
- special importance or significance; "the red light gave the central
figure increased emphasis"; "the room was decorated in shades of grey
with distinctive red accents"
6.
focus - a point of convergence of light (or other radiation) or a point from which it diverges
cerebrate, cogitate, think
- use or exercise the mind or one's power of reason in order to make
inferences, decisions, or arrive at a solution or judgments; "I've been
thinking all day and getting nowhere"
rivet - hold (someone's attention); "The discovery of the skull riveted the paleontologists"
recall
- cause one's (or someone else's) thoughts or attention to return from a
reverie or digression; "She was recalled by a loud laugh"
think - focus one's attention on a certain state; "Think big"; "think thin"
zoom in - examine closely; focus one's attention on; "He zoomed in on the book"
take heed, listen, hear - listen and pay attention; "Listen to your father"; "We must hear the expert before we make a decision"
2.
focus - cause to converge on or toward a central point; "Focus the light on this image"
refocus - focus once again; The physicist refocused the light beam"
sharpen - make (images or sounds) sharp or sharper
blur - to make less distinct or clear; "The haze blurs the hills"
3.
focus - bring into focus or alignment; to converge or cause to converge; of ideas or emotions
align, aline, adjust, line up
- place in a line or arrange so as to be parallel or straight; "align
the car with the curb"; "align the sheets of paper on the table"
refocus - focus anew; "The group needs to refocus its goals"
4.
focus - become focussed or come into focus; "The light focused"
adjust, correct, set
- alter or regulate so as to achieve accuracy or conform to a standard;
"Adjust the clock, please"; "correct the alignment of the front wheels"
refocus - put again into focus or focus more sharply; "refocus the image until it is very sharp"
k
s)
, -k
the tight focus of its drivers, the brisk intensity of its pedestrians"
focus - a central point or locus of an infection in an organism; "the focus of infection"