The word 焦点 (jiāodiǎn) is formed through a vivid conceptual metaphor. It literally combines the character 焦 (jiāo), meaning "scorched" or "burned", with 点 (diǎn), meaning "point". This construction originates from the physical phenomenon in optics where parallel light rays, after passing through a convex lens, converge onto a single point; at this concentrated point, intense heat and light can ignite or "scorch" a surface. Thus, the term metaphorically captures the idea of a central point where things converge or intensify, later extended to abstract meanings like the "focus" of attention or an issue.