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
Henrik Larsson's career is often viewed through the prism of the relative standing of Scottish football.
—
Carl Anka, New York Times, 16 May 2025
That folk tradition reflects the feelings of the present through the prism of the past.
—Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2025
The first season American Sports Story, a franchise set to re-examine a prominent event involving a sports figure through the prism of today’s world and told from multiple perspectives, focused on the former New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2025
Cheap models usually only last a few years, as the prisms and lenses can become dislodged.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for prism
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Carl Anka, New York Times, 16 May 2025
That folk tradition reflects the feelings of the present through the prism of the past.
—Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2025
The first season American Sports Story, a franchise set to re-examine a prominent event involving a sports figure through the prism of today’s world and told from multiple perspectives, focused on the former New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2025
Cheap models usually only last a few years, as the prisms and lenses can become dislodged.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for prism
Cite this Entry
“Prism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prism. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
prism
noun1
: 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
noun1
: 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
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