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Definition of bifocals

bifocals

/ˈbaɪˌfoʊ.kəlz/
bi · fo · cals
Plural:bifocals
•
Adjective:bifocal
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bifocals Lexical Profile

bifocals Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A pair of eyeglasses with lenses that are divided into two distinct optical powers, typically with the upper portion ground for distance vision and the lower portion for near vision or reading.

Example

"After struggling to read restaurant menus while wearing his regular glasses, my father finally switched to bifocals."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for bifocals

• Rhymes for bifocals

• Nearby Words

biennially
biff
bifocal
bifocals
bifold
bifurcate
big

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 19th century as a plural noun from the adjective 'bifocal', combining the Latin prefix 'bi-' (two) with 'focalis' (pertaining to a focus); the invention of dual-lens eyeglasses is traditionally credited to Benjamin Franklin in the 1780s, who originally called them 'double spectacles'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Bifocals. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/bifocals
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