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

There are prism systems that bounce a projection off of a prism into your eye, and there are waveguide systems that use special etchings in a flat lens to guide the projection into your eye. —Will Greenwald, PCMAG, 10 Jan. 2025

Monoculars use a lens and prism system to magnify an image for the user. —Matt Morris, Space.com, 27 Dec. 2024

Their relationship is a maddening Rorschach test, a prism, a curious shape-shifting thing. —Carolyn Figel, Hazlitt, 27 Nov. 2024

Hot Frosty is an allegory for the life of Jesus as told through the prism of a perpetually damp and sleeveless guy who used to be on Schitt’s Creek and Lacey Chabert. —Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 12 Nov. 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