focusing
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Related to focusing: focussing
fo·cus
(fō′kəs)n. pl. fo·cus·es or fo·ci (-sī′, -kī′)
1.
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.
2.
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.
b. See focal length.
3.
a. A center of interest or activity: "Precisely how diet affects E. coli in livestock is the focus of current research" (Cindy Engel).
b. 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).
c. A condition in which something can be clearly apprehended or perceived: couldn't get the problem into focus.
4. Medicine The region of a localized bodily infection or disease.
5. Geology The point of origin of an earthquake.
6. Mathematics A fixed point whose relationship with a directrix determines a conic section.
v. fo·cused, fo·cus·ing, fo·cus·es or fo·cussed or fo·cus·sing 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.
[New Latin, from Latin, hearth (probably in reference to the fact that a lens or parabolic mirror can concentrate sunlight on a single point to start a fire).]
fo′cus·er n.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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| Noun | 1. | focusing - the concentration of attention or energy on something; "the focus of activity shifted to molecular biology"; "he had no direction in his life" particularism - a focus on something particular |
| 2. | focusing - the act of bringing into focus intensification - action that makes something stronger or more extreme refocusing - focusing again |
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.
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