focal UK /ˈfəʊ.kl̩/US /ˈfoʊ.kl̩/noun 8adjective 3forms 1 noun8 •The central or most important element of something; a focal element.When using supporting flowers, consider their size and shape in relation to the focals and how the colour supports and enhances them. — 2022 •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. — 1978 •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. — 1992 •A representative of a group or class of people within an organizational system.Consolidate all focals' requirements: To be done by the Operations Manager. — 2012 •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. — 1995 •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.” — 2007 •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. — 2000 •(no longer used) 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.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. — 1877 adjective3 •Belonging to, concerning, or located at a focus (definite location).The contamination was focal. •Limited to a small area.The rash was focal. •Belonging to, concerning, or located at a focus of attention.The disturbances at the periphery became a focal concern later in the investigation. formsfocals
