prism

noun

ˈpri-zəm 

1

: a polyhedron with two polygonal faces lying in parallel planes and with the other faces parallelograms

2

a

: a transparent body that is bounded in part by two nonparallel plane faces and is used to refract or disperse a beam of light

b

: a prism-shaped decorative glass luster

3

: a crystal form whose faces are parallel to one axis

especially : one whose faces are parallel to the vertical axis

4

: a medium that distorts, slants, or colors whatever is viewed through it

Examples of prism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Anamnesis, 2023, is a knee-high resin prism that houses a scarcely perceptible object. —Pablo Larios, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2024

In some cases, the atmosphere can act like a prism, refracting colors out of a star’s light. —Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Sep. 2024

But Trump sees politics through the prism of power and loyalty, not ideology. —Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 26 Sep. 2024

Upright collar shirt in light gray pinstripe and prism earrings, from the third edit. —Nicole Phelps, Vogue, 10 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin prismat-, prisma, from Greek, literally, anything sawn, from priein to saw

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

prism

noun

ˈpriz-əm 

1

: a polyhedron with two opposite ends that are parallel polygons and faces that are each parallelograms

2

: a transparent object that usually has three sides and bends light so that it breaks up into rainbow colors

Medical Definition

prism

noun

ˈpriz-əm 

1

: a polyhedron with two polygonal faces lying in parallel planes and with the other faces parallelograms

2

: a transparent body that is bounded in part by two nonparallel plane faces and is used to refract or disperse a beam of light

3

: a crystal form whose faces are parallel to one axis

especially : one whose faces are parallel to the vertical axis