fo·cus (f k s)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. 2. 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 purposefulness the 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.
[Latin, hearth.]
fo cus·er n. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms | Adj. | 1. | focused - being in focus or brought into focusunfocused, unfocussed - (of an image) not being in or brought into focus; "at their edges things were pretty much out of focus" | | 2. | focused - (of light rays) converging on a point; "focused light rays can set something afire"convergent - tending to come together from different directions | | 3. | focused - of an optical system (e.g. eye or opera glasses) adjusted to produce a clear imageadjusted - altered to accommodate to certain requirements or bring into a proper relation; "an adjusted insurance claim"; "the car runs more smoothly with the timing adjusted" |
Translations focused focussed [ˈfəʊkəst] adj focus(s)ed adj (fig) → fokussiert
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