focusses

Verb

focus (third-person singular simple present focuses or focusses, present participle focusing or focussing, simple past and past participle focused or focussed)

1. (transitive) To cause (rays of light, etc) to converge at a single point.
   • The difficulties of focussing colour-light signals on curved tracks to ensure maximum sighting distance were underlined in the recent official report [...] on a low-speed collision at Newcastle Central on July 25, 1960, between an unfitted freight and a diesel-hauled passenger train.1961 February, “Talking of Trains: Collision at Newcastle”, in Trains Illustrated, pages 75–76
2. (transitive) To adjust (a lens, an optical instrument) in order to position an image with respect to the focal plane.
   • You'll need to focus the microscope carefully in order to capture the full detail of this surface.
3. (intransitive, usually, optical instrument) To adjust itself or be adjusted such that light from a scene converges appropriately to create a clear image.
   • I can't get the lens to focus.
4. (transitive) To direct attention, effort, or energy to a particular audience or task.
   • The president focused her remarks on the newcomers.
5. (intransitive) To concentrate one’s attention.
   • If you're going to beat your competitors, you need to focus.
6. (intransitive) To concentrate one's attention on something; to have as one's central point of interest, concern, etc.
   • I have to focus on my work.

See all 19 meanings of focus