trifocal: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1technical/medical
Quick answer
What does “trifocal” mean?
Having three different focusing distances, typically describing eyeglasses with three distinct lens segments for near, intermediate, and far vision.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Having three different focusing distances, typically describing eyeglasses with three distinct lens segments for near, intermediate, and far vision.
Can be used metaphorically to describe a perspective or system that is divided into three distinct areas, aspects, or levels of consideration.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage or meaning.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both UK and US English, limited to optical/health contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “trifocal” in a Sentence
trifocal [noun] (e.g., trifocal lenses)to wear trifocalsfitted with trifocalsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “trifocal” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The optician recommended a trifocal design for her computer work, reading, and driving.
- His new trifocal varifocals took some getting used to.
American English
- She got a trifocal prescription to handle her phone, computer, and distance vision.
- Trifocal contact lenses are less common than bifocal ones.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare; potentially in marketing for optical products.
Academic
Used in optometry, ophthalmology, and visual science papers.
Everyday
Used when discussing eyewear prescriptions with an optician.
Technical
Standard term in optics and eye care professions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “trifocal”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “trifocal”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “trifocal”
- Using 'trifocal' as a general synonym for 'versatile'.
- Misspelling as 'trifocul' or 'tryfocal'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Bifocal lenses have two focusing segments (typically near and far). Trifocal lenses have three segments, adding a dedicated intermediate zone (e.g., for computer screens).
Yes, when referring to the glasses themselves (e.g., 'He wears trifocals'), the plural is standard.
It can be used metaphorically in academic or analytical writing to describe a three-part perspective, but this is quite rare and specialised.
Yes, trifocal contact lenses exist, though they are less common than multifocal or monovision contact lens options.
Having three different focusing distances, typically describing eyeglasses with three distinct lens segments for near, intermediate, and far vision.
Trifocal is usually technical/medical in register.
Trifocal: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtraɪˈfəʊk(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /traɪˈfoʊk(ə)l/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'tri' (three) + 'focal' (focus points) = three points of focus.
Conceptual Metaphor
A TRIFOCAL PERSPECTIVE IS A VIEW DIVIDED INTO THREE PARTS (e.g., past, present, future).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'trifocal'?