Confocal

/kənˈfoʊkəl/ adjective

Definition

Having or relating to the same focus or center point; in optics, relating to surfaces or points that share a common focal axis.

Etymology

From con- (together) + focal (from focus, Latin for 'hearth' or 'center point'). A technical term developed in mathematics and optics.

Kelly Says

Confocal microscopes are revolutionary in biology because they block out blurry light from above and below your target, creating crystal-clear images—the 'same focus' means every photon is focused exactly right.

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