focal length

noun

: the distance of a focus from the surface of a lens or curved mirror

Examples of focal length in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The 28-300mm's OIS is effective enough to support crisp handheld exposures at 1/8-second exposure time at the 300mm focal length. PCMAG, 11 Dec. 2024 Its inner barrel telescopes out to zoom in to tighter focal lengths, extending by about an inch. PCMAG, 2 Dec. 2024 Many cameras and smartphones look at life through a single lens, but three dimensional depth maps can be created using information hidden in metadata of 2D photos (such as focal lengths and sensor info) or estimated using multiple images. Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 14 Oct. 2024 Here are some starting points for capturing Comet A3. Use an 18-55mm wide-angle lens at different focal lengths, with long exposures for about 10 to 20 seconds and ISO 1600. Jamie Carter, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for focal length 

Word History

First Known Use

1682, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of focal length was in 1682

Dictionary Entries Near focal length

Cite this Entry

“Focal length.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/focal%20length. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

focal length

noun
: the distance of a focus from the surface of a lens or inwardly-curved mirror

Medical Definition

focal length

noun
: the distance of a focus from the surface of a lens or concave mirror
symbol f

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