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 socially conscious community theater group What if Works adapted the book as seen through the prism of Nicholas’ mother, Annika Dworet. —Christina Mayo, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2025

Andy Roddick’s career is to a large extent viewed through the prism of his 21-3 losing record against Roger Federer, which included four defeats in Grand Slam finals. —Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025

Popular discussion often approaches war through the prisms of morality or law or justice. —Gideon Rose, Foreign Affairs, 21 Jan. 2025

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

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