Definition

Relating to lenses or glasses that have two different optical powers, one for seeing far away and another for seeing close up.

Example

She wears bifocal glasses to help her see both the computer screen and the board at the front of the classroom.

Conversation

I just got these new glasses that are bifocal.

Oh, nice! Do they help you see better?

Yeah, it's great to have both near and far vision in one lens.

That sounds really convenient, I should consider getting a pair too.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A type of eyeglass lens that has two different optical powers, allowing the wearer to see clearly at both near and far distances.

Example

He needs bifocals to read and drive without changing glasses.

Conversation

Have you seen my new glasses?

Yeah, I noticed they look different!

They’re actually bifocal lenses, which help me see better up close and far away.

Root Explanation

Bifocal → It is formed from "bi-" (meaning two) and "focal" (from Latin "focus", meaning center or point of convergence). The word "bifocal" refers to lenses that have two different focal points for vision correction.

Memory Tip

Think of 'two' ('bi-') different 'centers' ('focal') for seeing clearly — that's what bifocal lenses provide.

Visually Confused Words