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

The researchers used a technique known as spectroscopy, which splits light into different wavelengths and colors, similar to how a prism separates sunlight into the colors of the rainbow. —Denise Chow, NBC news, 8 Aug. 2025

Key features: 10x magnification, 42mm objective lens, image stabilization (IS), porro prisms, 59.2-degree field of view, fully multi-coated lenses, +/- 0.8-degree correction angle, 2.5 hour battery life (two AAA batteries), waterproof (WP) and immersion resistant up to one meter. —Harry Bennett, Space.com, 11 July 2025

The snappy Trump-voter video went viral, helping Mamdani introduce himself to voters through the prism of policy. —Mark Chiusano, Time, 14 Aug. 2025

Advocacy organizations from the various ends of the political spectrum interpreted Hegar's numbers through the prism of their own worldviews. —John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025

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

Rhymes for prism

• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism
• anticommunism
• antisemitism
• antiterrorism
• bioterrorism
• colloquialism
• colonialism
• consequentialism
• contextualism
• conventionalism

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