focal
UK: ˈfəʊkəl | US: ˈfoʊkəl
adj. relating to the center or main point of interest
adj. (optics) pertaining to the focus of a lens or mirror
focal = foc<focus> + al<adjective suffix>
- foc (from Latin focus meaning "hearth, fireplace," later "central point")
- al (Latin-derived suffix forming adjectives, meaning "pertaining to")
Etymology Origin:
The word focal traces back to Latin focus, which originally referred to a fireplace or hearth—the literal and symbolic center of a home. By the 17th century, focus expanded in scientific contexts to denote the convergence point of light or attention. The suffix -al was added to form the adjective focal, first used in optics (1600s) to describe properties related to a lens's focus, later generalizing to any central point of interest.
The focal point of the painting draws the viewer’s eye immediately.
Adjust the microscope’s focal length for a clearer image.
Climate change was the focal topic of the conference.
The camera’s focal adjustment ensures sharp photos.
Her speech kept a focal emphasis on community empowerment.