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Glite Dictionary
👓 Three-section lens 👓 Three-focus glasses
trifocal

trifocal

6.9
Glasses that have three lens parts for near, middle, and far vision
  • adjective
  • /ˈtraɪˌfoʊkəl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : trifocal
  • trifocal lenses

Examples

  • Most seniors wear eyeglasses with bifocal or trifocal lenses.

    Academic text (1997)

  • Many seniors prefer trifocal lenses because they provide clearer vision for reading, computer use, and driving.

  • The optometrist recommended trifocal glasses to help me see better at different distances without switching lenses.

  • With trifocal lenses, I can easily transition from reading my book to looking at the television.

Synonyms

multifocal
vstrifocal
  • Specialized
6.7

A lens with more than one focus to help see near and far

is specifically made with three focal points for near intermediate and distance

Surface Forms

trifocal positive

Morphology

trifocal = focal (transparent) = tri + focal

Meaning is directly built from 'tri-' (three) + 'focal' (relating to focus), so the three focal points sense is predictable.

Etymology

Trifocal is made of tri- meaning 'three', like in triangle, and focal from focus meaning 'a point for seeing'. So something described as trifocal has three focus areas to help you see near, middle, and far.