Focal
/ˈfoʊ.kəl/noun
Relating to a center or point of concentration, especially where rays, forces, or attention converge.
Did you know?The root behind *focal* is Latin *focus*, meaning “hearth, fireplace,” and that same idea of a central burning point later evolved into the modern sense of concentration and optical focus.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bʰeh₂-
“to shine, burn”
Latin
Latin
focus
“hearth, fireplace; later also a center or point of activity”
Late Latin
Latin
focalis
“of a hearth or fireplace”
16th Century
English
focal
“pertaining to a focus or central point”
Modern English
English
focal
“relating to a center, point of convergence, or optical focus”